“Cut and run” is an idiomatic expression that means to abandon a situation or responsibility abruptly and without any further effort, usually when things get tough or when one faces danger or failure. It suggests an immediate escape or retreat, often with the connotation of avoiding a challenge or difficult situation rather than confronting it. The phrase may also imply dishonor or cowardice, as it conveys the idea of leaving without considering the consequences or obligations. The origins of the phrase are nautical, referring to the act of cutting the ropes of a ship’s anchor or sails to escape in a hurry.
Sample Sentences:
- When the company faced a financial crisis, the CEO decided to cut and run, leaving the team to deal with the fallout.
- Instead of facing the consequences of his actions, he chose to cut and run, abandoning his responsibilities.
- The politician cut and ran when the scandal broke, refusing to answer any questions.
- After realizing they were outmatched, the soldiers decided to cut and run rather than fight.
- She didn’t want to deal with the consequences of her mistake, so she cut and ran from the situation.
- The team was on the verge of failure, and many of the members cut and ran before the project could collapse.
- He cut and ran when the opportunity arose, leaving his colleagues in the lurch.
- The plan to launch the new product was falling apart, so they decided to cut and run.
- Faced with overwhelming opposition, the general chose to cut and run rather than face defeat.
- The manager cut and ran after the company faced an employee strike, leaving others to handle the crisis.
Synonyms:
- Flee
- Escape
- Abandon
- Bail out
- Desert
- Flee the scene
- Run away
- Take flight
- Cut loose
- Duck out
Antonyms:
- Face up to
- Confront
- Stay the course
- Stick around
- Stand firm
- Endure
- Hold fast
- See it through
- Stay committed
- Resolve
Phrasal Verbs:
- Bail out (to leave a situation when it becomes difficult or risky)
- Walk away from (to abandon a situation or responsibility)
- Take off (to leave suddenly or in a hurry)
- Duck out of (to avoid or escape an obligation)
- Drop out of (to quit or leave something abruptly)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Throw in the towel (to give up completely)
- Leave someone in the lurch (to abandon someone when they are in need)
- Pack up and go (to leave quickly, often in a defeated or rushed manner)
- Take the easy way out (to avoid dealing with difficulties by leaving)
- Run for the hills (to escape from a dangerous or challenging situation)
- Bail out on (to abandon something or someone when things get difficult)
- Hit the road (to leave, often suddenly or without facing the problem)