Cut to the chase meaning in English

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Definition

to cut to the chase: to get directly to the point of a conversation idiom
a chase: a pursuit, a hunt noun

Examples

  • "I'll cut to the chase."
Exercise 1
Bruno uses the idiom let's get to the heart of the matter.

Select the expressions from the list below which share a similar meaning.

There may be more than one!

Bruno uses the idiom let's get to the heart of the matter.

Select the expressions from the list below which share a similar meaning.

There may be more than one!
The expressions "Let's get to the heart of the matter" and "Let's cut to the chase" share similar meanings. "Let's get to the heart of the matter" is a request to talk about the main point or the true issue (the heart) of whatever is being discussed (the matter). In this conversation, Bruno says this because he wants to discuss concrete solutions for Warbuckle's financial problems. "Let's cut to the chase" is very similar in meaning: it is also a request to discuss the real problem, and not any superficial or unimportant details. In this context, these expressions are synonymous and interchangeable.
This is an incorrect choice. The phrase "Let's talk about this in private" indicates that someone wants to go somewhere where nobody will hear what they are saying. Although Bruno does want to exit the Jacuzzi, the idea of speaking in private is unrelated with Bruno's expression "let's get to the heart of the matter".
The expressions "Let's get to the heart of the matter" and "Let's get to the point" share similar meanings. "Let's get to the heart of the matter" is a request to talk about the main point or the true issue (the heart) of whatever is being discussed (the matter). In this conversation, Bruno says this because he wants to discuss concrete solutions for Warbuckle's financial problems. "Let's get to the point" is very similar in meaning: it is also a request to discuss the real problem, and not any superficial or unimportant details. In this context, these expressions are synonymous and interchangeable.
This is an incorrect choice. The phrase "Let's have a meeting about this" indicates that someone wants to get together and discuss something (in a meeting). This idea is unrelated to Bruno's expression "let's get to the heart of the matter".
This is an incorrect choice. "Let's hop in the sack" is an invitation to get into bed! This idea is unrelated with Bruno's expression "let's get to the heart of the matter".
Exercise 2
"Now I suggest we get to the matter at hand".

From the list below, choose the phrase(s) which could replace the expression "let's get to the matter at hand".

There may be more than one correct answer!

"Now I suggest we get to the matter at hand".

From the list below, choose the phrase(s) which could replace the expression "let's get to the matter at hand".

There may be more than one correct answer!
This is correct. To "cut to the chase" is to address the pressing issue or topic of conversation. This shares a similar meaning with the expression "to get to the matter at hand". Both idioms express a desire to talk about the central or essential topic.
This is incorrect. To be "honest" means to tell the truth. This is unconnected with the meaning of "let's get to the matter at hand".
This is correct. To "get to the point" is to address the pressing issue or topic of conversation. This shares a similar meaning with the expression "to get to the matter at hand". Both idioms express a desire to talk about the central or essential topic.
This is incorrect. To "behave (badly)" is to "act" badly. The term "professionally" means in a serious manner, appropriate to a working environment. Example: "Stop behaving like a child", "My cat behaved very well during the train journey". This is unconnected with the meaning of "let's get to the matter at hand".
This is incorrect. "Trivialities" are "unimportant" or "incidental" pieces of information, often concerning daily life. This is the opposite meaning of "the matter at hand", and so is an incorrect choice here.

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