cut in line — to move ahead of other people who are waiting in a line without permission
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to move ahead of other people who are waiting in a line without permission
Pronunciation (IPA): /kʌt ɪn laɪn/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother cut in line at the grocery store and pretended she didn't speak English when people complained.
- It's considered very rude to cut in line in most cultures around the world.
- The student tried to cut in line for lunch, but the cafeteria lady had eyes like a hawk.
cut in line
VERB[/kʌt ɪn laɪn/]
to move ahead of other people who are waiting in a line without permission
He tried to cut in line at the coffee shop, but everyone glared at him.
When you cut in line, karma will decline - but patience is divine!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in 20th-century American English, combining the verb 'cut' (meaning to push through or intrude) with 'line' (a queue). The expression derives from the metaphorical image of cutting through a line as if severing it with a knife, suggesting an abrupt or unauthorized interruption of order.
Breakdown
cut (to push through; intrude) + in (into; within) + line (queue). The compound 'cut in' functions as a phrasal verb meaning to thrust oneself into a sequence, modified by the prepositional phrase 'in line' to specify the context.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother cut in line at the grocery store and pretended she didn't speak English when people complained.”
“It's considered very rude to cut in line in most cultures around the world.”
“The student tried to cut in line for lunch, but the cafeteria lady had eyes like a hawk.”
“She politely asked if she could cut in line because she was late for an important meeting.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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