cut in

To start speaking while someone else is talking, or interrupt an activity.

• Please do not cut in.
• He cut in before I could finish.
• A waiter cut in with a question about our order.

How to use it: cut in on someone/something (He cut in on our conversation.); cut in with something (She cut in with a question.)

Similar words: interrupt, interject

Common phrases: cut in suddenly, cut in on someone

To join a line of waiting people ahead of others who were there first.

• Do not cut in line.
• She cut in ahead of several waiting customers.
• Someone tried to cut in while we were buying tickets.

How to use it: cut in ahead of someone (A man cut in ahead of us at the checkout.)

Similar words: jump the queue, cut the line

Common phrases: cut in line, cut in ahead

To move your vehicle suddenly in front of another vehicle, often leaving too little space.

• A car cut in suddenly.
• The van cut in before it had fully passed us.
• Did that driver cut in without looking?

How to use it: cut in front of someone/something (A van cut in front of our car.); cut in on someone (A taxi cut in on me at the junction.)

Similar words: pull in front

Common phrases: cut in suddenly, cut in dangerously

To let someone join an activity or receive part of its profits.

• Will you cut me in?
• They cut her in on the deal.
• We can cut you in on the next game.

How to use it: cut someone in on something (They cut me in on the profits.)

Similar words: include, bring in

Opposites: exclude

Common phrases: cut in someone, cut in a partner

To use part of the time or space that was meant for something else.

• Work is cutting in on my weekends.
• The extra classes cut in on her free time.
• Will these duties cut in on our lunch break?

How to use it: cut in on something (Extra meetings cut in on my lunch break.)

Similar words: encroach on, eat into

Common phrases: cut in on time, cut in on leisure

To paint edges and corners carefully with a brush before painting the larger areas.

• Cut in around the door first.
• She cut in the corners with a small brush.
• Have you cut in along the ceiling yet?

How to use it: cut in around something (Cut in around the window before using the roller.)

Common phrases: cut in edges, cut in corners