prime cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prime cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to high-quality meat, often indicating the best portions of meat available. Example: "The restaurant is known for its prime cut steaks, which are sourced from the finest farms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food

Figurative Language

Movies & Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

And Kaat in his prime was never prime cut.

The New York Times

Prime Cut was second, a length and a half back.

The New York Times - Sports

You've got to be a prime cut of meat.

The New York Times

Of course, one man's pork is another man's prime cut.

The New York Times

13 1 PRIME CUT, by Diane Mott Davidson.

The New York Times - Books

But much of the company's fate hangs on one crucial prime cut.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The hacks, novices, pretenders and one-joke wonders are long gone; this week's entree should be nothing but prime cut-up.

The New York Times

You can't make sausages from just lean, prime cuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expect to pay a pretty penny for both, especially for the prime cuts.

The New York Times - Food

The prime cuts – the legs and shoulders – end up on supermarket shelves in the UK.

The Guardian

In the UK, though, feet are still considerably cheaper than prime cuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "prime cut" to highlight the superior quality and desirable portion of meat or other ingredients.

Common error

Avoid using "prime cut" when referring to abstract concepts or situations where a physical portion isn't implied. Instead of saying "This idea is a prime cut", opt for phrases like "This is an excellent idea" or "This idea is top-notch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prime cut" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is a common expression. It refers to the best or most desirable part of something, especially meat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prime cut" is a noun phrase denoting something of high quality, often the best part of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and common, particularly in the contexts of news, food writing, and figurative language. It can describe both literal cuts of meat and metaphorical 'best parts' of various subjects. Its neutral register makes it suitable for broad use, but writers should avoid using it in overly abstract situations where the portioned aspect is not implied. Alternatives include "finest quality" or "premium selection", depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best quality

Focuses solely on quality, lacking the connotation of a specific portion or selection as in "prime cut".

premium selection

Implies a selection of high value, which is similar to "prime cut" but less specific to physical portions.

finest quality

Highlights the superior quality, lacking the specific implication of being a selected portion like "prime cut".

top grade

Focuses on the grading or ranking of the item, whereas "prime cut" suggests a superior part or example.

choice selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing the best option, differing from the inherent quality implied by "prime cut".

best selection

This alternative shifts the focus towards the act of selection, rather than the inherent quality of the item itself.

first rate

Denotes high quality, but doesn't imply a selection from a larger whole, as "prime cut" does.

cream of the crop

Refers to the best among a group, whereas "prime cut" often refers to the best part of something tangible.

top-shelf

Suggests the best in terms of luxury or expense, changing the nuance from simply being the 'best' part.

highest caliber

Implies excellence in terms of ability or skill, whereas "prime cut" refers more to tangible items or selections.

FAQs

How can I use "prime cut" in a sentence?

You can use "prime cut" to describe the best portion of something, such as "The butcher only sells "prime cut" steaks" or, figuratively, "That joke was the "prime cut" of the comedian's routine".

What can I say instead of "prime cut"?

Alternatives to "prime cut" include "finest quality", "top grade", or "premium selection" depending on the context.

Is "prime cut" only used for meat?

While "prime cut" is often used to describe high-quality meat, it can also be used figuratively to describe the best part of something, like a performance or a story. For instance, “The climax was the "prime cut" of the movie.

What's the difference between "prime cut" and "choice cut"?

"Prime cut" generally refers to the highest quality cut of meat, while "choice cut" is a slightly lower grade. Both terms can be used figuratively to denote something excellent, but "prime cut" carries a stronger connotation of superiority.