"Cuts to the quick" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation or remark that deeply and immediately hurts someone's feelings or emotions, causing them intense pain or distress. It indicates an action or statement that goes beyond simply upsetting or offending someone, and instead strikes a sensitive or vulnerable area, leaving a profound impact.
Originating from the imagery of cutting into the soft and sensitive part of the nail called the "quick," the phrase symbolizes inflicting sudden, sharp emotional pain upon a person. It suggests that the act is so direct and penetrating that it stings deeply and instantly, leaving a lasting impression on the individual's psyche.
When someone is "cut to the quick," it often implies that their sense of self-worth, core beliefs, or personal vulnerabilities have been directly attacked or undermined. The intensity of the pain may cause immediate distress, leaving the individual feeling wounded and deeply hurt. This expression is commonly used to describe instances where someone's feelings are severely hurt, typically by remarks, actions, or events that strike a sensitive nerve.
In summary, "cuts to the quick" denotes an emotional injury that is deep, immediate, and significantly distressing. Its impact is akin to a metaphorical cutting action that goes straight to the core of a person, causing severe emotional pain and leaving a lasting impression on their psyche.
