expression

cut to the chase

to get to the point

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to stop wasting time and talk about the most important thing; to get to the point quickly

Examples

I have a lot to do today, so let's cut to the chase and discuss the main problem.

How to use cut to the chase

This idiom is used when someone wants to skip unnecessary details and focus on what matters most. It is direct and somewhat informal, often signaling impatience or a desire for efficiency. It can also be used by a speaker to apologize for being blunt.

Common phrases

let me cut to the chase
cut to the chase and
if I cut to the chase
to cut to the chase

Synonyms

get to the point · get down to brass tacks · come to the point · stop beating around the bush · drop the pretense

A common mistake

Learners sometimes say 'cut in the chase' or 'cut through the chase,' which are incorrect forms of the expression.

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