1
general::
Phrase(s): cut a wide swath [and] cut a big swath
to seem important; to attract a lot of attention. • In social matters, Mrs. Smith cuts a wide swath. • Bob cuts a big swath whenever he appears in his military uniform.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Draw a lot of attention, make a considerable display, as in Although he was new to the company, he cut a wide swath. This metaphoric use of making a big sweep of the scythe in cutting grass survives despite the mechanization of farming and the declining use of the noun swath. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms