Cut someone off
Meaning
To interrupt someone abruptly, especially during conversation, or to block their access or progress.
Origin
The phrase "cut someone off" traces its roots to the very literal act of severing a connection or supply. Imagine a sturdy rope, a water flow, or a road being physically 'cut off'—suddenly and completely halted. This powerful image of decisive severance began to extend metaphorically by the 17th century, first describing the stopping of resources or communication. In the burgeoning age of modern transport and rapid-fire communication, the phrase gained its sharpest edges: a car "cuts off" another, physically blocking its path; a speaker "cuts off" another, abruptly halting their flow of words. It’s the linguistic echo of that original, swift slice, repurposed for the social and logistical interruptions of daily life.
Examples
- She was trying to explain her side of the story, but he rudely cut her off before she could finish.
- The aggressive driver swerved quickly into the lane, managing to cut off the car attempting to merge onto the highway.