cut a wide swath
The phrase "cut a wide swath" is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, primarily in American English, to describe significant impact or influence.
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Definition
B2Land Management
(literal, chiefly US)To clear a broad path through an area, either by natural or human action.
Example
- The bulldozers cut a wide swath through the forest to make way for the new highway.
C1Social Behavior
(figurative, idiomatic, chiefly US)To behave in a showy or attention-grabbing manner, often having a significant influence or impact.
Example
- He cut a wide swath at the party, charming everyone with his stories.
- The celebrity cut a wide swath through the event, leaving a lasting impression on all the attendees.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut a wide swath":
wide berthcut acrosscut throughgo widebroad strokesbroad reachmake wavesbroad in the beamdeep cutcut both ways