1
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Phrase(s): cut in (on something)
1. Lit. to interrupt something, especially some sort of electronic transmission. • I didn’t mean to cut in on your announcement. • Who cut in on my telephone call? 2. Fig. to join in something even when not invited. • Can I cut in on this little party?, Phrase(s): cut in (with something)
to interrupt [someone] with a comment; to speak abruptly, interrupting what someone else is saying. • Jimmy cut in with a particularly witty remark. • Must you always cut in while others are talking?, Phrase(s): cut someone in (on something)
Sl. to permit someone to share something, such as profits or loot. • Max refused to cut in his partner Lefty. • We can’t cut you in. There’s not enough., Phrase(s): cut in (on someone)
1. Lit. [for someone] to ask to replace one member of a dancing couple. • Excuse me, may I cut in? • Please don’t cut in. 2. Fig. [for someone] to interrupt someone who is talking. • While Gloria was telling us her story, Tom kept cutting in on her. • I’m talking. Please don’t cut in!, Phrase(s): cut in(to something)
to slice something; to gouge something. • We cut into the watermelon and found it to be spoiled. • It was a beautiful apple, but when she cut in, she found out that she had been cheated., Phrase(s): cut in (ahead of someone or something)
to move quickly and carelessly into line ahead of someone, as in a line of people or in traffic. • A red car cut in ahead of me and nearly caused me to run off the road. • Careful! Don’t cut in ahead of that car!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Move oneself between others, take a place ahead of one's proper turn. For example, She was very aggressive, always cutting in the cafeteria line. [Early 1600s] 2. Also, cut in on or into. Interrupt a conversation; also, interpose oneself between dancing partners and replace one of them. For example, Before Walter was done talking, Marion cut into his conversation, or Jane was quite pleased when Arthur cut in on their dance. [First half of 1800s] 3. Also, cut in on. Include in a profitable business deal or share of the profit, as in Do you want to be cut in on this deal? or We plan to cut you in on this moneymaker. [Slang; late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms