How Do You Spell CUT ADRIFT?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌt ɐdɹˈɪft] (IPA)

The phrase "cut adrift" means to abandon or detach something or someone. The pronunciation of "cut" is /kʌt/ which means starting with the "k" sound and ending with the "t" sound with a short sound of "u". "Adrift" is pronounced /əˈdrɪft/, with the emphasis on the second syllable, starting with the short sound of "uh," and then a brief "d" and "r" sound followed by the "ih" sound, then ending with the "f" and "t" sounds. Together "cut adrift" is pronounced /kʌt əˈdrɪft/.

CUT ADRIFT Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "cut adrift" is an idiomatic expression that typically means to leave someone or something alone or on their own, without support or guidance. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a person or group is abandoned or disconnected from their usual support network, resources, or benefits.

   When someone is "cut adrift," they are left to navigate unfamiliar or challenging circumstances without any assistance or direction. This can result in feelings of isolation, vulnerability, and uncertainty. It implies a lack of stability and security, as if one has been cast away or abandoned.

   The term originates from the nautical practice of cutting a rope or cable that attaches a boat or ship to its moorings, setting it free to drift aimlessly on the water. In a similar sense, when an individual or organization is "cut adrift," they are detached from their usual anchors or connections.

   The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing an employee who is laid off without any support or severance packages, a relationship where one person no longer provides emotional or financial support to the other, or a group or organization that is no longer receiving funding or assistance from their usual sources. Overall, being "cut adrift" suggests being left alone, without any support, and facing uncertain consequences or outcomes.

Common Misspellings for CUT ADRIFT

• xut adrift
• vut adrift
• fut adrift
• dut adrift
• cyt adrift
• cht adrift
• cjt adrift
• cit adrift
• c8t adrift
• c7t adrift
• cur adrift
• cuf adrift
• cug adrift
• cuy adrift
• cu6 adrift
• cu5 adrift
• cut zdrift
• cut sdrift
• cut wdrift
• cut qdrift

Etymology of CUT ADRIFT

The expression "cut adrift" is derived from nautical terminology. In maritime settings, "adrift" refers to a situation in which a vessel or its occupants are left to float freely without any control or direction.

The word "adrift" itself comes from Middle English and dates back to the 15th century. It is a combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "away" or "off") and the word "drift" (meaning "to float" or "be carried by the current"). So, "adrift" literally means "away from the intended course or direction".

The phrase "cut adrift" specifically implies the intentional act of releasing or severing something from its moorings or connection, leaving it without guidance or support. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals or entities are abandoned or left to navigate on their own, without any assistance or protection.

Idioms with the word CUT ADRIFT

• be cut adrift The idiom "be cut adrift" refers to being abandoned or left without any support or direction. It describes a situation where one is deliberately separated or detached from a group, leaving them feeling isolated and without guidance.
• cut adrift The idiom "cut adrift" means to abandon or leave someone or something without any support or guidance. It can also refer to leaving someone in a vulnerable or helpless position.