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

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 • Dec. 15, 2022

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2022

Shields cut a wide swath of fans: 76ers center Dwight Howard wrote "Let’s go champ" on Instagram and actress Rosie Perez tweeted "Best of luck tonight."

From Fox News • Jun. 11, 2021

China’s Xi also cut a wide swath at the G-20, and the Chinese have made massive investments and established deep trade ties in Latin America.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2018

The beam was strong and cut a wide swath of light through the blackness.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins