cutting edge, at the

Idioms  

1. Also, on the cutting edge. In the forefront, in a position of greatest advantage or importance. For example, In my youth I was at the cutting edge of medical research, or Our company is on the cutting edge of gene therapy. This metaphoric phrase alludes to the sharp edge of a knife or other cutting tool. [c. 1950]

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Example Sentences

These synthetic hues, which were cutting edge at the time, enabled members of the group to depict the fleeting impression of the moment with shifting colors and luminosity.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2023

"It was cutting edge at the time and everyone knew how important it was," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2021

His research in the area of low-fat diets in the 60's and 70's was cutting edge at the time and is what most current research is based on today, a whole foods plant-based diet.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2018

The head was forged from four pieces of beta titanium—something that would not difficult to achieve today, but was considered cutting edge at the time.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 5, 2017

The most serious was in Tunnel D where the cutting edge at the bottom of the shield was forced up a slightly sloping ledge of rock.

From Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. LXVIII, Sept. 1910 The New York Tunnel Extension of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The East River Tunnels. Paper No. 1159 by Brace, James H.