cut a swath: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘cut a swath’ mean?
The idiom "cut a swath" means to make a quick and significant impact or impression, usually by taking bold or forceful actions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sweep away" means to completely remove or eliminate something, often in a forceful or dramatic manner.
The idiom "kick butt" means to take strong, decisive action or to defeat someone or something decisively. It is often used to describe a forceful or aggressive manner of accomplishing a task or overcoming an obstacle.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "in a big way" means to do something on a large scale, with great intensity or significance.
The idiom "hit the pavement" means to go outside and start walking or running. It is often used to indicate someone taking action or making an effort.
The idiom "gather way" means to gain momentum or make progress. It is often used to describe a person or group becoming more successful or making significant strides in their endeavors.
The idiom "fetch way" means to go or run quickly in a specific direction or to move away suddenly or abruptly.
The idiom "do the dash" means to make a quick and hasty exit from a place or situation, often to avoid trouble or for some urgent reason.
The idiom "deep cut" refers to a situation or remark that causes emotional pain or distress. It suggests a profound and impactful wound that may take time to heal.
Swath Unleashed
The idiom "cut a swath" is derived from the practice of mowing or cutting down crops in a field. In this context, a swath refers to a strip of the field that has been cut and cleared. This idiom has been used in both British and American English literature and can be traced back to the early 19th century.
One common meaning of "cut a swath" is to make a strong impression or have a significant impact. This can refer to someone who is influential or successful, often invoking a sense of power, authority, or charisma. The idiom suggests that this person's actions or presence leave a noticeable mark, similar to the effect of cutting through a field and leaving behind a cleared path.
Another related idiom is "cut a wide swath." This expression emphasizes the extent or breadth of the impact or influence that someone has. It implies that the person is making a significant mark and standing out in a wide range of situations or areas.
An additional idiom is "cut a dash." This phrase implies that someone is making a stylish or impressive appearance, often with a sense of confidence and self-assurance. It suggests that the person is attracting attention and leaving a lasting impression, similar to the image of using a scythe to cut down crops with a dramatic flourish.
The idiom "sweep away" is another related expression. It conveys the idea of someone or something causing a significant amount of destruction or harm. It implies that the person or force is moving through a situation and leaving chaos in their wake, similar to slashing through a field and leaving a trail of destruction.
Lastly, there is the idiom "cut about," which is used to describe someone who is moving in various directions or taking part in a wide range of activities. It suggests a sense of busyness or restlessness, similar to the movement of cutting through a field in different directions.
In literature, the idiom "cut a swath" appears in various contexts, such as describing influential or powerful characters who leave a lasting impact on the story or other characters. The phrase is often used figuratively to depict someone who is assertive, confident, and dominant.
Overall, the idiom "cut a swath" encompasses the notions of power, influence, impact, and sometimes destruction. It conveys a vivid image of someone or something making a noticeable and lasting impression, drawing from the practice of cutting down crops in a field and leaving behind a clearly defined path. While the exact origin and etymology of the idiom may not be fully known, its usage has endured throughout the years, continuing to captivate our imagination with its evocative imagery and multifaceted meanings.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "cut a swath" can be used in a sentence:
- He cut a swath through the crowd at the concert, making his way to the front row.
- The new CEO is determined to cut a swath through the company's outdated practices and implement necessary changes.
- The hurricane cut a swath of destruction through the coastal town, leaving many homes damaged or destroyed.
More "Verb" idioms
