cut throat etymology

Etymology:

• Cut: from the Middle English "cutten," meaning "to separate with a sharp instrument."
• Throat: from the Old English "þrote," meaning "the front of the neck, larynx."

Meaning:

The literal meaning of "cut throat" is to use a sharp instrument to sever the throat. Figuratively, it has several meanings:

• To murder or kill someone by cutting their throat.
• To compete fiercely or ruthlessly.
• To undermine or sabotage something intentionally.

Origin:

The phrase "cut throat" has been used in English since the 14th century. Its literal meaning as a method of murder is evident from its early usage. The figurative sense of "ruthless competition" emerged in the 17th century, possibly influenced by the gladiatorial practices of ancient Rome, where gladiators often fought to the death. The phrase "cutthroat competition" was coined in the late 19th century.

Usage:

• "The police are investigating a cut throat murder."
• "The company is facing cutthroat competition from its rivals."
• "The politician was accused of cutthroat tactics to win the election."

cut throat relate terms

• carve

  Etymology Middle English carven to cut wood or stone Old English ceorfan to cu

• shear

  Etymology The word shear comes from the Old English word scieran which means to cu

• daredevil

  Etymology The word daredevil is a compound of two words Dare Middle English daren

• dare

  Etymology The word dare comes from the Old English word darr meaning to tremble o

• devil

  Etymology The word devil originates from the Greek word diabolos which means sland

• scarecrow

  Etymology and Meaning The word scarecrow is derived from two Old English words sca

• killjoy

  Etymology Killjoy is a compound word derived from two Middle English terms Kill F

• dreadnought

  Etymology The word dreadnought is a compound of two words Dread A state of great fe

• pickpocket

  Etymology The word pickpocket is derived from two separate words Pick Meaning to t

• cut throat

  Etymology Cut from the Middle English cutten meaning to separate with a sharp inst

• throat

  Etymology The word throat is derived from the Old English word þrote which ultimate

• cut throat

  Etymology Cut from the Middle English cutten meaning to separate with a sharp inst