cut across

British  

verb

1. (intr) to be contrary to ordinary procedure or limitations

   opinion on European integration still cuts clean across party lines

2. to cross or traverse, making a shorter route

   she cut across the field quickly

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cut across Idioms  

1. Go beyond, transcend, as in The new regulations cut across class lines. This figurative use of cut across, which literally means “run through” or “intersect,” dates from the 1920s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cut across

We expected immigration positions to tie directly to political affiliation, but results cut across party lines, with 79% of Republicans, 88% of independents and 95% of Democrats in favor.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026

The dynamic cut across the software sector unequally on Friday, however.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

The attack also cut across the federal government's broader effort to present Kashmir as stable and open to tourism.

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026

The Walt Disney Co. has begun a broad round of layoffs, which will result in 1,000 jobs being cut across multiple divisions within the Burbank entertainment giant.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2026

Cold air slipped through the window sash and cut across my skin like razor blades.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Related Words

• cruise
• navigate
• pass over
• ply
• sail
• span
• traverse