1
general::
Phrase(s): cut out
to depart; to leave in a hurry. • Good-bye. I have to cut out now. • It’s time I was cutting out. I’m late already., Phrase(s): cut something out
1. to stop doing something. (Usually a command. See also Cut it out!) • Cut that noise out! • Cut out that noise! • Now, cut that out! 2. Go to cut something out of something and cut something out., Phrase(s): cut out (for some place) [and] light out (for some place)
to leave quickly for some place. • The kids all cut out for home. • When they heard their mother call, the Wilson kids cut out for home., Phrase(s): cut someone or something out
to eliminate someone or something. • They cut out the free coffee with lunch at the cafeteria. • We have to cut Chuck out. There are too many better men on the team.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Excise, remove as if by cutting; also, form or shape as if by cutting or carving. For example, Young children love cutting out pictures from magazines, or The first step is cutting out the dress pattern. The first usage dates from about 1400, the second from the mid-1500s. 2. Oust, replace, or supplant someone, as in He cut out all her other boyfriends. [Mid-1600s] 3. Also, cut out for. Suited or fitted by nature, as in Dean's not cut out for lexicography. [Mid-1600s] 4. Also, cut out for. Assigned beforehand, prepared, predetermined, as in We have our work cut out for us. [Early 1600s] 5. Deprive, as in He cut her out of his will. [Early 1800s] 6. Stop, cease, as in He cut out the motor, or Cut out that noise! [c. 1900] Also see CUT IT OUT. 7. Leave, especially in a hurry; also, run away. For example, I'm cutting out right now, or At the first hint of a police raid they cut out. [Slang; first half of 1800s] Also see CUT AND RUN; CUT THE COMEDY.
American Heritage Idioms