Definition

Verb: 1. To remove something by cutting it off: To separate and take away a part of something using a cutting tool. 2. To switch the view in a film or video: In filmmaking, to quickly change the camera's focus from the main subject to a different scene or image, often to show a reaction or related detail.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Remove by cutting):
  • The sculptor cut away large sections of marble to reveal the form within.
  • You need to cut away the damaged part of the plant to help it grow.
• Verb (Film transition):
  • The editor decided to cut away to the crowd's reaction just before the goal was scored.
  • In the interview, the director would often cut away to shots of the city where the story takes place.

Advanced Usage

• "Cut away to": This is the standard phrasing used in film and video direction to specify what the new shot should be.
  • The script says to cut away to the antagonist's face, showing a sly smile.

Variants and Related Words

• Cutaway (noun): A shot in a film or video that interrupts the main action to show something else.
  • The documentary used historical cutaways to provide context.
• Cutaway (noun): A model or diagram with an outer layer removed to reveal the interior.
  • The textbook featured a cutaway of an engine.

Synonyms

• Excise: To remove by cutting out, especially in a precise or surgical manner.
• Carve off: To remove a part by cutting, often implying shaping.
• Switch to: (For film) To change to a different shot or scene.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cut off: To remove by cutting; to disconnect or isolate. (Focuses more on separation than removal).
  • They had to cut off the power. / He cut off a piece of string.
• Cut out: To remove a shape or section by cutting, often from within a larger piece.
  • The children cut out pictures from the magazine.

Related Idioms

• Cut to the chase: To get to the point without wasting time. (This idiom shares the film-editing metaphor of "cutting" to an important scene).
  • Let's cut to the chase—what's the real problem here?

Verb

1. remove by cutting off or away
   • cut away the branch that sticks out
2. move quickly to another scene or focus when filming
   • `cut away now!' the director shouted