cut to the chase

idiomatic phrase

informal

: to go directly to the important part of a story, argument, or discussion : to get to the point

She urged him to skip the details and cut to the chase.

… you try to make small talk, ease into the interview, but Hair quickly cuts to the chase.

—John Lancaster

Note: This phrase is from filmmaking jargon, in which cutting to the chase is quickly transitioning to a scene that features a chase or is otherwise especially exciting or interesting.

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cut to the chase

• aromatase
• hydrogenase
• nitrogenase
• oligoclase
• oxygenase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace