cut-in

[kuht-in]

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.

cut in

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cut in¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

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]

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]

Example Sentences

“There are many different types of pie crust,” Baldwin explained, “but the most classic ones use a cut-in fat technique, which gives you a tender, flaky crust.”

Read more on Salon

Though there are people who cut-in, it’s a minor issue compared to the core problem frustrating the commuters on the Washington State Ferries system.

Read more on Seattle Times

“There’s no automatic cut-in of the vagus nerve,” Phil Resch said, “in an android. As there is in a human. Weren’t you taught that when they trained you? I got taught that years ago.”

Read more on Literature

Even the gory violence is reduced to a smattering of cut-in details.

Read more on The New Yorker

Its hallmark was the “Clovis point,” a four-inch spearhead with a slightly cut-in, concave tail; in silhouette, the points somewhat resemble those goldfish-shaped cocktail crackers.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• break in 
• move in