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• cut-in
  cut-in

  noun

  a still, as of a scene or an object, inserted in a film and interrupting the action or continuity.
• cut in
  cut in

  verb

  to break in or interrupt

cut-in

American  

[kuht-in] / ˈkʌtˌɪn /

noun

1. Movies. a still, as of a scene or an object, inserted in a film and interrupting the action or continuity.

   We will insert a cut-in of the letter as she reads it.

2. Radio and Television. a commercial or other announcement inserted by a local station into a network broadcast.

3. the act of cutting in, as on a dancing couple.

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cut in British  

verb

1. Also: cut into.  to break in or interrupt

2. (intr) to interrupt a dancing couple to dance with one of them

3. (intr) (of a driver, motor vehicle, etc) to draw in front of another vehicle leaving too little space

4. informal (tr) to allow to have a share

5. (intr) to take the place of a person in a card game

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noun

1. Also called: insert.  films a separate shot or scene inserted at a relevant point

cut in Idioms  

1. Move oneself between others, take a place ahead of one's proper turn. For example, She was very aggressive, always cutting in the cafeteria line . [Early 1600s]

2. Also, . Interrupt a conversation; also, interpose oneself between dancing partners and replace one of them. For example, Before Walter was done talking, Marion cut into his conversation , or Jane was quite pleased when Arthur cut in on their dance . [First half of 1800s]

3. Also, cut in on . Include in a profitable business deal or share of the profit, as in Do you want to be cut in on this deal? or We plan to cut you in on this moneymaker . [ Slang ; late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of cut-in

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase cut in

Example Sentences

Every additional 100bp cut in 2027 margins would reduce profit and Citi’s P/E-based target price by 3%, the note says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Memory makers, Micron included, likely will be “disciplined in adding supply to prevent HBM content from getting cut in AI data centers next year,” Malik wrote.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

In March, the BBC suggested the cost of the TV licence could be cut in return for getting more people to pay the annual charge.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Wearing an eye mask fashioned out of a dollar bill with strategic holes cut in it, so as not to trip over Jeff Bezos, Paulson’s look dared to ask: “In this economy?”

From Salon • May 5, 2026

“It doesn’t only look different,” Blunt cut in.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

Related Words

• break in
• move in