2006-10-27 01:33:40 · 4 answers · asked by michael s 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Cut to the chase
Meaning
Get to the point - leaving out unnecessary preamble.
Origin
This originated in the US film industry. Many early silent films ended in chase sequences preceded by obligatory romantic storylines. The first reference to it dates back to that era, just after the first 'talkie' - The Jazz Singer, 1927. It is a script direction from Joseph Patrick McEvoy's novel 'Hollywood Girl', 1929:
2006-10-27 01:40:08 · answer #1 · answered by ????? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've looked through several quote books and can't find this quote.
However, I am aware of it and would suggest that it, like a lot of quotes, is derived from Naval sources. I'm sure Trigonometry comes into it.
Picture two sailing ships, one chasing the other, miles apart. The leader turns to the left or to the right. The chasing ship does not it, cuts the angle.
A very good question though, I'll not rest now until I'm sure of the answer
Best Wishes Regards Biggles
2006-10-27 03:16:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No real evidence, but I am sure it has to do with Hollywood and the movie-making industry.
In a typical action film there is always an elaborate "chase" scene, when the hero has finally caught up with the villain or a henchman, and pursues the bad guy in car car, on foot, or any other form of transportation imaginable.
To "cut to the chase" then, means to jump right to the action, or the most interesting or challenging part of a situation...
2006-10-27 01:45:57 · answer #3 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the chase is the skin at the head of your fingernail. to cut to the chase is to get rid of the unnessesary stuff, just do it.
2006-10-27 01:41:55 · answer #4 · answered by willis w 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋