cut-in

[kuht-in]

noun

1. Movies.,  a still, as of a scene or an object, inserted in a film and interrupting the action or continuity.

   We will insert a cut-in of the letter as she reads it.

2. Radio and Television.,  a commercial or other announcement inserted by a local station into a network broadcast.

3. the act of cutting in, as on a dancing couple.

cut in

verb

1. Also: cut into. to break in or interrupt

2. (intr) to interrupt a dancing couple to dance with one of them

3. (intr) (of a driver, motor vehicle, etc) to draw in front of another vehicle leaving too little space

4. informal,  (tr) to allow to have a share

5. (intr) to take the place of a person in a card game

noun

1. Also called: insert. films a separate shot or scene inserted at a relevant point

Word History and Origins

Origin of cut in¹

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase cut in

Idioms and Phrases

Move oneself between others, take a place ahead of one's proper turn. For example, She was very aggressive, always cutting in the cafeteria line . [Early 1600s]

Also, . Interrupt a conversation; also, interpose oneself between dancing partners and replace one of them. For example, Before Walter was done talking, Marion cut into his conversation , or Jane was quite pleased when Arthur cut in on their dance . [First half of 1800s]

Also, cut in on . Include in a profitable business deal or share of the profit, as in Do you want to be cut in on this deal? or We plan to cut you in on this moneymaker . [ Slang ; late 1800s]

Example Sentences

But this exhibitionistic Oedipus is the star of the show’s unnecessary preface, a belabored warmup act that should have been cut in rehearsals.

From Los Angeles Times

Then electricity was cut in communal spaces, such as the clubhouse, bathrooms and walkways, discouraging exercise and even short walks.

From Los Angeles Times

U.S. employers have announced more job cuts in the first eight months of this year than in all of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

They seem to be dropping that nomenclature entirely and now describe the bill as the largest tax cut in American history.

From Salon

“In fact, the evidence cuts in the opposite direction. Abortion not only lacked long-standing protection in American law – it had long been forbidden.”

From Salon

Related Words

• break in 
• move in