cut to the chase

Definition

To get to the point; to get on with it; to state something directly.

Etymology

From cinema usage: to cut (edit a film) so as to get to the exciting part. Also, preceded by Chaucer c.1400, "The Wife of Bath's Tale"- "And shortly forth this tale for to chace" (To cut a long story short).

Example Sentences

• "We don't have much time here. Could you cut to the chase?"
• "Allen Gregory DeLongpre: I don't like to play games, the whole wait three days to text you, flirt with other women in front of you. It's exhausting. Let's just cut to the chase. We're in love with each other."