cut a wide swath

Idioms  

1. Draw a lot of attention, make a considerable display, as in Although he was new to the company, he cut a wide swath. This metaphoric use of making a big sweep of the scythe in cutting grass survives despite the mechanization of farming and the declining use of the noun swath. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

The EF-2 twister, with winds of 130 mph, cut a wide swath and ripped through the city, destroying and severely damaging hundreds of homes.

From Seattle Times

The Selma twister cut a wide swath through the city, collapsing buildings and snapping trees in half.

From Seattle Times

While he will be most remembered for his work with the southern residents, Balcomb’s career cut a wide swath: from tagging whales in the North Pacific Ocean for the U.S.

From Seattle Times

Going after their food sources would cut a wide swath through California’s fauna and flora.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the wake of far-ranging disasters like Hurricane Ida that cut a wide swath in the available housing, housing experts say these assistance funds are a weak substitute for direct housing, especially in rural areas with few hotels.

From New York Times