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

Academics have spent decades trying to understand the lingering divide between east and west Germany; "Ossies" and "Wessies", and these are divides that cut across numerous spheres.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

The caterwauling horns had reached a crescendo and I turned away and cut across the lawn toward home.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Related Words

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