CUTS TO THE QUICK Meaning and
Definition
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Cuts to the quick is an idiomatic expression often used to describe a remark, action, or event that deeply affects or hurts someone emotionally, eliciting a strong and immediate reaction. The phrase originates from the medical term "quick," which refers to the sensitive part of a person's fingernail or toenail bed where the nerves and blood vessels are situated. A deep cut to this area can cause intense pain and immediate distress. Thus, when a comment or action "cuts to the quick," it metaphorically inflicts an emotional wound that is felt deeply and sharply.
This expression signifies an emotional injury that strikes at the very core of a person, causing them intense distress, anger, or sadness. It suggests that the comment or action reaches the person's deepest sensitivities, often exposing their vulnerabilities or insecurities. When something cuts to the quick, it tends to undermine their self-esteem or challenge their beliefs, causing them to react strongly and in some cases, defensively. This idiom emphasizes the profound impact an emotionally charged statement or act can have on an individual and highlights the immediate and severe response triggered by it.
The phrase "cuts to the quick" is commonly used in contexts where a person's emotions or feelings are deeply wounded, providing a vivid and figurative description of the level of discomfort or pain experienced.
Common Misspellings for CUTS TO THE QUICK
- xuts to the quick
- vuts to the quick
- futs to the quick
- duts to the quick
- cyts to the quick
- chts to the quick
- cjts to the quick
- cits to the quick
- c8ts to the quick
- c7ts to the quick
- curs to the quick
- cufs to the quick
- cugs to the quick
