cut to the chase

C

cut to the chase

Meaning:

• come to the point
• leave out all unnecessary details
• focus on the major point
• say only what is important and leave out minor details

Example:

1. We haven’t got all day for this discussion. Let’s cut to the chase.
2. After the customary greetings and handshakes, we cut to the chase and began negotiating with our clients.
3. He was busy with his work, so I cut to the chase and told him that the project had been cancelled.
4. I don’t have time for idle talk, so cut to the chase and tell me what you want.
5. I can see that you are busy, so I’ll cut to the chase. I need you to lend me a large amount of money.
6. As soon as everyone was assembled, the team cut to the chase and began the discussion.
7. I’ll cut to the chase and tell you the main problem. Your car has a faulty engine.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the US film industry. Many silent films used to have a romantic storyline that climaxed in a chase sequence. The phrase was used in a literal sense in directing films around the 1920s. In the figurative or idiomatic was, it was used since the 1940s.