to the quick
The idiom "to the quick" originates from the Old English word 'cwic,' meaning living, and is used to describe something that affects someone deeply or cuts to the core of an issue.
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Definition
C1Emotional
(informal)Causing deep emotional pain or distress.
Example
- Her harsh words cut him to the quick.
C2Analytical
(informal)Getting to the most essential or core part of a matter.
Example
- The report went to the quick of the issue, avoiding unnecessary details.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "to the quick":
cut to the quickquick as thoughtquick as a flashquick as lightningto the pointclose to the bonefast oneon the nosemake quick work ofin a hurryat the doublelightning fastdown to the short strokeson the spotat one strokein hastecaught on the hopon the ball