Cut and run
verb
Depart hastily due to unforeseen or challenging circumstances.
As soon as the sirens started, the thieves decided to cut and run.
Often appears as...
- decide to cut and run
- threaten to cut and run
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
Stopdoing something or being involved in something because it is difficult or unpleasant.
When the project became too overwhelming, she wanted to cut and run.
Often appears as...
- want to cut and run
- prepare to cut and run
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To terminate a process or operation abruptly.
They had to cut and run when the business was bankrupting.
Often appears as...
- had to cut and run
- forced to cut and run
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
Depart hastily due to unforeseen or challenging circumstances.
As soon as the sirens started, the thieves decided to cut and run.
Often appears as...
- decide to cut and run
- threaten to cut and run
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
Stopdoing something or being involved in something because it is difficult or unpleasant.
When the project became too overwhelming, she wanted to cut and run.
Often appears as...
- want to cut and run
- prepare to cut and run
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To terminate a process or operation abruptly.
They had to cut and run when the business was bankrupting.
Often appears as...
- had to cut and run
- forced to cut and run
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Escape
Used when someone leaves quickly to avoid trouble or danger.
When the crowd grew unruly, the performers had to cut and run.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a hasty or cowardly departure, often to evade responsibility.
He wasn't ready to face the music, so he decided to cut and run.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Considered informal, so it's best not used in formal writing or speeches.
In official meetings, use 'depart quickly' instead of 'cut and run'.
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Escape
Used when someone leaves quickly to avoid trouble or danger.
When the crowd grew unruly, the performers had to cut and run.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a hasty or cowardly departure, often to evade responsibility.
He wasn't ready to face the music, so he decided to cut and run.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Considered informal, so it's best not used in formal writing or speeches.
In official meetings, use 'depart quickly' instead of 'cut and run'.
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Escape
Used when someone leaves quickly to avoid trouble or danger.
When the crowd grew unruly, the performers had to cut and run.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a hasty or cowardly departure, often to evade responsibility.
He wasn't ready to face the music, so he decided to cut and run.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formality
Considered informal, so it's best not used in formal writing or speeches.
In official meetings, use 'depart quickly' instead of 'cut and run'.
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