cut and run

idiom

The phrase "cut and run" originated from nautical terminology, where sailors would cut the anchor cable to escape quickly. It is now used metaphorically in various contexts.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)To leave a place or situation abruptly to avoid trouble or danger.

Example

When the storm hit, they decided to cut and run rather than stay and face it.
The CEO chose to cut and run when the company started facing financial difficulties.

B2Responsibility

(informal)To abandon a responsibility or commitment suddenly and without warning.

Example

He cut and ran from the project when things got tough.
Instead of solving the issue, she chose to cut and run.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut and run":

run away make a run for it run off run off on run away with cop out duck out end run bug out run out on cut out run with scissors hit and run cut bait run for one's life cut away cut short jump cut run to get out while the getting's good cut below make off cut in walk away cut above run off with head for the hills cut corners leg it on the run run about cut off cut to pieces run back cut across deep cut run in run short cut it close pull out jump ship cut through cut back chop out cut and paste cut a deal cut buddy walk out run with run in with run after walk away from run on smash and dash run and gun cut into let go by the run cut the cheese abandon ship walk off run for one's money hack off solo run