The phrase “cut to the chase” is thought to have originated as a script direction in early silent films which, after some romantic meanderings, would often climax in chase scenes.1 The phrase’s figurative meaning — to get straight to the point — emerged by the 1940s, and is very popular with MJA medical editors today when advising aspiring contributors. We like original submissions that are pithy and leave no doubt as to their intention.
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- Medical Journal of Australia, Sydney, NSW.
- 1. The Phrase Finder. Meanings and origins of phrases, sayings and idioms [website]. http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/107300.html (accessed Nov 2008).