it cuts deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cuts deep" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that deeply affects or hurts someone emotionally. Example: The criticism from her boss really cuts deep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Had tears listing cause it cuts deep in my soul.

The New York Times

"It cuts deep down to how one sees the world, and people have different views," said Michael Lindley, the superintendent.

The New York Times

There are still some of us who think baseball is important, that it cuts deep into the loyalties and rivalries of our American cities.

The New York Times - Sports

One is the not-yet-complete barrier that the Israelis have been building to stop Palestinians entering Israel from the West Bank; it cuts deep into Palestinian territory in order to protect Jewish settlements there and is fencing Palestinians into shrinking enclaves in which a Palestinian state would suffocate.

The Economist

This barrier — a Middle Eastern variation on the Berlin Wall — has been an effective tool in stopping terrorist attacks inside Israel, but it constitutes yet another annexation of Palestinian territory: largely ignoring the Green Line, it cuts deep into the West Bank, occasionally isolating Palestinian towns and villages from their hinterland.

The New York Times

As it cuts deep into the lives of Black people, it cuts more white supremacy into the fabric of our society.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it cuts deeper.

The New York Times - Books

It cuts deeper than you think.

The New York Times - Magazine

The music of the young bringing smiles and dancing to the old touches the soul anywhere in the world, but here it cuts deeper, somehow.

The Guardian - Music

As it cuts deeper into the swamp, though, it gives way to pines, cypress and that most evocative of Southern plants, Spanish moss, which clings spectrally to limbs and branches.

The New York Times - Travel

I think, like a Liddiard song, it cuts deeper.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cuts deep" to convey a strong emotional impact or to describe something that is personally hurtful or significant. It's best used when you want to emphasize the profound effect of something on someone's feelings or beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "it cuts deep" in overly casual or trivial situations. The phrase carries a significant emotional weight, and using it inappropriately can sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cuts deep" functions as an idiomatic expression to describe something that causes significant emotional pain or has a profound impact. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correctly used to express deep emotional effects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

14%

Music

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it cuts deep" is a powerful expression used to describe something that causes significant emotional pain or has a profound impact. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to express these strong emotional effects. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that "it cuts deep" is commonly found in news and media, books, and music contexts, indicating its relevance in conveying intense emotional experiences across different domains. When using this phrase, consider the emotional weight it carries and avoid using it in trivial situations to maintain sincerity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is deeply affecting

Focuses on the emotional impact, using a more descriptive and formal tone.

it is profoundly impactful

Highlights the significant influence or effect something has.

it leaves a lasting impression

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the impact.

it strikes a chord

Suggests an emotional resonance or connection.

it hits home

Indicates a personal and relatable impact.

it resonates deeply

Highlights the strong and lasting impact on someone's feelings or beliefs.

it pierces the heart

Emphasizes the emotional pain or sadness caused by something.

it has a strong impact

A more general phrase that emphasizes the power of the effect.

it is emotionally scarring

Focuses on the long-term emotional damage caused by something.

it touches the soul

Suggests a profound and spiritual impact.

FAQs

How can I use "it cuts deep" in a sentence?

Use "it cuts deep" to describe something that causes significant emotional pain or has a profound impact. For example, "The betrayal from a close friend really "it cuts deep"".

What does "it cuts deep" mean?

"It cuts deep" means that something has a strong and often painful emotional impact. It suggests that the experience or information has deeply affected someone's feelings or sense of self.

Are there alternative phrases to "it cuts deep" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it hits home", "it resonates deeply", or "it leaves a lasting impression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it cuts deep" a formal or informal expression?

"It cuts deep" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate in situations where you want to express strong emotion or highlight the significant impact of something.