To cut the cord
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of separating oneself, usually an adult child, from a primary source of emotional, financial, or practical dependence, typically their parents.
Origin
The image of a newly born infant, still physically linked to its mother by the umbilical cord, is one of ultimate dependence. At the moment of birth, a crucial, life-sustaining connection is established—a conduit for nutrients and oxygen. But then, swiftly, the cord is cut, severing that physical tie and marking the baby's first, dramatic step into individual existence. This immediate, vital act of physical separation profoundly shaped the metaphor: to 'cut the cord' now means to make a definitive break from a primary source of support or nurture, whether it’s a young adult finally leaving the parental home, or a business divesting from a larger corporation, embracing complete independence and standing entirely on its own.
Examples
- After graduating college, she knew it was time to cut the cord and find her own apartment, even if it meant a smaller budget.
- Many young entrepreneurs struggle to cut the cord from their startup's initial investors, fearing loss of support.