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

---

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.

---

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

He takes great care to convey to readers how the denizens of the theater cut across social, economic and cultural classes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta's relationship has cut across a range of strands over the years - and evolved along with their managerial styles.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026

All around the room, she could see glimpses of the tall man with the cut across his chin: Laughing, mouth open, molars showing.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

Related Words

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