1
general::
Have no effect, make no impression, as in That excuse cuts no ice with me. This term predates modern refrigeration, when ice was obtained by cutting it from a large block with a sharp tool. [Late 1800s] cut off 1.Separate from others, isolate, as in The construction debris cut off the workers from the canteen, or The new sect was cut off from the church. [Late 1500s] 2. Stop suddenly, discontinue, as in He quickly cut off the engine, or The drama was cut off by a news flash about tornado warnings. [Late 1500s] 3. Shut off, bar, Their phone was cut off when they didn't pay the bill, or Tom's father threatened to cut off his allowance. [c. 1600] 4. Interrupt the course or passage of, intercept, as in The operator cut us off, or The shortstop cut off the throw to the plate. [Late 1500s] 5. Also, cut off with a shilling or cent. Disinherit, as in Grandfather cut him off with a shilling. This usage dates from the early 1700s; the purpose of bequeathing one shilling (a small sum) was to indicate that the heir had not been overlooked but was intentionally being disinherited. In America cent was substituted from about 1800 on.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): cut no ice (with someone)
Sl. to have no influence on someone; to fail to convince someone. • I don’t care who you are. It cuts no ice with me. • So you’re the mayor’s daughter. It still cuts no ice.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs