cut in
B1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To interrupt or intervene, typically in conversation or in a queue/line.
To interrupt a conversation; to move a vehicle suddenly into a lane of traffic; to include someone in a deal or activity; to mix a solid fat into flour with a cutting motion (in cooking).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is heavily dependent on context. The core sense involves an intrusive or sudden action that breaks an established flow or order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Cut in line' (US) is equivalent to 'jump the queue' (UK), though 'cut in' is understood in the UK. The driving sense is identical.
Connotations
Generally negative for interrupting or queue-jumping, but neutral for driving or cooking contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English for the 'queue-jumping' sense, as the British idiom 'jump the queue' is dominant.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cut in (intransitive)cut in on [someone/something]cut in front of [someone/something]cut [someone] in (on something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut in on someone's action”
- “cut someone in on the deal”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To include a new investor or partner in a business deal (e.g., 'We decided to cut him in on the project for 10%).'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in discourse analysis regarding conversational interruptions.
Everyday
Common for describing interruptions in talk, rude queue-jumping, or aggressive driving.
Technical
In film/editing: a 'cut-in' is a shot that focuses on a detail. In cooking: a specific mixing technique.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "Sorry to cut in," he said, "but you've got the facts wrong."
- A white van suddenly cut in on me from the middle lane.
American English
- I was talking when she rudely cut in.
- The deal was too good, so they cut me in for a small percentage.
adjective
British English
- The editor asked for a cut-in shot of the actor's reaction.
American English
- Use the cut-in function on the mixer for the butter and flour.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please don't cut in line. Wait your turn.
- He cut in when we were talking.
- The taxi driver got angry when a cyclist cut in front of him.
- Can I cut in on your dance?
- She managed to cut in on the lucrative family business despite initial resistance.
- The presenter handled the audience member who cut in with great professionalism.
- The new legislation is seen as an attempt by the government to cut in on the profits of multinational energy corporations.
- His monologue was so dense that there was no natural point at which one could politely cut in.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone using scissors (to CUT) to snip a ribbon that represents the flow of conversation or a queue, then stepping INto the gap they created.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION/TRAFFIC/ORDER IS A SOLID STREAM OR LINE THAT CAN BE PHYSICALLY SEVERED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'резать внутрь'. For interrupting speech, use 'вмешаться/перебить'. For driving, 'встроиться/вклиниться'. For including in a deal, 'включить (в долю)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cut into' incorrectly for interruptions (e.g., 'He cut into the talk'). 'Cut into' usually means to reduce or physically penetrate.
- Using 'cut on' instead of 'cut in on' (e.g., 'She cut on me' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'cut in' NOT imply a negative or intrusive action?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While interrupting a conversation or cutting in line is rude, 'cutting someone in' on a deal is positive, and 'cutting in' while dancing is a neutral or expected social action.
'Interrupt' is more general. 'Cut in' often implies a more abrupt, unwelcome, or selfish interruption, especially in spoken conversation. 'Cut in' also has specific uses in driving, dancing, and business that 'interrupt' does not cover.
It is generally considered too informal for most academic or formal business writing. Alternatives like 'intervene', 'interject', or 'include as a partner' are preferred.
It is used intransitively or with 'on'/'in front of'. E.g., 'The lorry cut in (on me)' or 'A car cut in front of us without signalling.'