"Cuts it close" is an idiom that means doing something just in time or very narrowly avoiding a negative outcome. The spelling of this phrase represents the standard pronunciation in English, with each word pronounced as /kʌts ɪt kləʊs/. The first word, "cuts" is spelled with a 'u' and pronounced with the short vowel sound /ʌ/. The second word "it" has only two letters but is pronounced with a schwa sound /ɪt/. The final word "close" follows the letter combination 'o' and 's' giving the sound of /kləʊs/.
To "cut it close" means to narrowly or barely meet a desired outcome, goal, or target. This expression typically signifies a situation where something is done or achieved with just a small margin of time, distance, or qualification. It implies that the outcome was perilously close to failure or falling short of expectations.
Originally derived from an analogy to narrowly avoiding a collision or an accident by a hair's breadth, "cuts it close" has now become a figurative expression commonly used in various contexts. It often pertains to time-sensitive situations where a task is completed at the last possible moment or with minimal time to spare, creating a sense of tension or precarity.
For instance, if someone says, "I cut it close, but I managed to catch my flight," it means that they narrowly avoided missing their flight by doing something just in time. Similarly, if a sports team barely wins a game by a single point or goal, it can be said that they "cut it close" in securing the victory.
Overall, "cuts it close" emphasizes the idea of achieving success or meeting a goal under challenging circumstances and when the margin is extremely tight, often highlighting the excitement or relief that arises from narrowly attaining a favorable result.