cut to the quick

The idiom "cut to the quick" originates from Old English, where "cwic" meant living, and it implies causing deep emotional pain.

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Definition

B2Interpersonal

(figurative, emotional)To deeply hurt or offend someone emotionally.

Example

Her harsh words cut him to the quick.

C1Discussion

(figurative, analytical)To incisively address the core or sensitive aspect of a topic.

Example

The debate cut to the quick of the issue, revealing the underlying problems.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut to the quick":

to the quick cut to pieces cut through deep cut close to the bone cut like a knife cut into cut in hit home cut oneself cut above hit too close to home cut it close cut it fine get under someone's skin paper cut cut below cut short cut down to size cut across