Definition

Verb Phrasal Verb: - To interrupt or reduce something, especially time, money, or a continuous activity: The phrase "cut into" means to decrease the amount of something available or to intrude upon a period of time or a resource. - To begin to cut or carve the surface of something: In a literal sense, it can mean to make an initial incision or groove in a material.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Phrasal Verb):
  • The new regulations will cut into our profits this quarter. (The regulations will reduce the amount of profit available.)
  • I don't want to cut into your evening, but I need a quick word. (I don't want to interrupt or take away from your free time.)
  • The sculptor carefully cut into the block of marble. (The sculptor began carving the marble.)

Advanced Usage

• "cut into savings": to use money that was being saved, thereby reducing the total.
  • The emergency car repair really cut into our savings.
• "cut into one's time": to use up time that was intended for something else.
  • Constant meetings are cutting into my research time.

Variants and Related Words

• Cut (verb): To make an opening or division in something with a sharp tool.
• Incision (noun): A surgical cut or the act of cutting into something.

Synonyms

• Encroach on: To intrude upon or gradually take over.
• Erode: To gradually wear away or reduce.
• Intrude on: To interrupt or enter without invitation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cut back (on): To reduce the amount of something being used or consumed.
  • We need to cut back on unnecessary expenses.
• Cut down (on): Similar to "cut back," meaning to reduce.
  • He's trying to cut down on sugar.

Related Idioms

• Cut into the heart of the matter: To begin dealing with the most important part of an issue. (This is an extension of the literal "cut into" meaning.)
  • Let's stop with the small talk and cut into the heart of the matter.

Verb

1. turn up, loosen, or remove earth
   • Dig we must
   • turn over the soil for aeration