cut adrift

Idioms and Phrases

Separated or detached; freed. For example, The dissenters were cut adrift from the denomination . This expression alludes to cutting the rope of a floating vessel so that it drifts without direction or purpose. The figurative use of adrift dates from the late 1600s.

Example Sentences

At the same time, her own boats and that of the Frenchmen were cut adrift, that they might not impede her progress.

From Project Gutenberg

The royal must come in or be cut adrift, or the mast would be snapt short off.

From Project Gutenberg

If, for your dear sake, I am to cut adrift from the past, I cannot be left alone.

From Project Gutenberg

The boat was towed astern for a few minutes, during which the mutineers held another consultation—it was then finally cut adrift.

From Project Gutenberg

The royal must come in or be cut adrift, or the mast would be snapped short off.

From Project Gutenberg