cut out

To remove a piece or shape by cutting around it, or separate an animal from a group.

• Cut out a circle.
• She cut a picture out of the magazine.
• The rider cut one cow out of the herd.

How to use it: cut something out of something (She cut a star out of the paper.); cut something out (Cut the picture out carefully.)

Similar words: cut away, separate

Common phrases: cut out a shape, cut out something

To stop doing something or stop using something.

• I have cut out sugar.
• He cut out smoking last year.
• Can you cut out that shouting?

How to use it: cut out doing something (She cut out eating between meals.); cut something out (My doctor told me to cut coffee out.)

Similar words: stop, give up

Common phrases: cut out smoking, cut out sugar

To remove a shape or piece from a larger surface with scissors or another sharp tool.

• Cut out the picture.
• We cut out paper flowers.
• She is cutting a pattern out of the fabric.

How to use it: cut something out of something (He cut a star out of cardboard.)

Similar words: cut away

Common phrases: cut out shapes, cut out something

If a machine or connection suddenly stops working, it no longer runs or carries sound.

• The engine cut out.
• Your voice keeps cutting out.
• The radio cut out halfway through the news.

Similar words: stop, fail

Common phrases: engine cut out, signal cut out

To remove something or leave it out of a plan, text, or process.

• Cut out the last paragraph.
• We cut out several unnecessary steps.
• The editor has cut that scene out of the film.

How to use it: cut something out of something (They cut the joke out of the speech.)

Similar words: remove, omit, leave out

Opposites: include

Common phrases: cut out details, cut out something

If you are suited to a job or activity, you have the right abilities or character for it.

• I am not cut out for sales.
• He is cut out to be a teacher.
• Are we really cut out for this kind of work?

How to use it: be cut out for something (She is cut out for this job.); be cut out to do something (I am not cut out to be a nurse.)

Similar words: suited, fit

Opposites: unsuited

Common phrases: cut out for something, not cut out