cut someone dead
cut someone dead (idiom)
/ˈkʌt ˈsʌmwʌn dɛd/
Meanings
- To deliberately ignore someone in public, often as an insult.
- To act as if a person does not exist, showing cold rejection.
- To shun someone intentionally out of anger, pride, or disdain.
Synonyms: snub; cold-shoulder; ignore; shun; blank.
Example Sentences
- At the reunion, she cut him dead after everything that happened.
- He tried to apologize, but she cut her dead by walking past without a word.
- The famous actor cut them dead in front of the cameras.
- After our argument, he cut me dead in the cafeteria.
- Betray me once and I’ll cut you dead
Origin and History
The phrase “cut someone dead” is an idiomatic expression in English that signifies deliberately ignoring or snubbing someone, often in a public setting. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the early 17th century. The verb “cut,” in this context, has been used to denote social rejection or dismissal since the 1600s. The addition of “dead” in the early 19th century served to intensify the action, emphasizing the thoroughness of the snub. This linguistic development reflects a common pattern in English where modifiers are added to verbs to amplify their meanings.
Geographical Origin
The phrase “cut someone dead” is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom.
Earliest Printed Record
The first recorded instance of the phrase “cut someone dead” is found in Benjamin Disraeli’s novel Vivian Grey, published in 1826. The specific passage reads:
“Any fellow was to be cut dead by the entire school.”
This usage captures the essence of the idiom, highlighting its meaning of intentional social ostracism.
Origin Conclusion
The phrase “cut someone dead” has evolved over centuries to become a vivid expression of social rejection. Its origins in early 17th-century England, coupled with its first recorded literary appearance in Disraeli’s 1826 novel, underscore the deep-rooted nature of this idiom in English-speaking cultures. The evolution of the phrase reflects broader linguistic trends of intensifying expressions to convey stronger emotions or actions.
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