This idiom means to get to the point quickly, skipping unnecessary details or preamble, and focusing on the essential matter. It suggests impatience with delays or fluff, urging directness in communication or action. The phrase is used in business, storytelling, or casual conversations, often with an assertive or no-nonsense tone, reflecting a desire for efficiency and clarity in fast-paced or critical situations.

The phrase originated in early 20th-century American film industry slang, referring to silent movies where directors would ‘cut’ from slow scenes to the exciting chase sequence, the climax audiences craved. It first appeared in a 1929 *Variety* article: ‘Cut to the chase, boys!’ The term reflects Hollywood’s emphasis on action and brevity, gaining wider use in the 1940s as films like *The Maltese Falcon* popularized hard-boiled dialogue. By the mid-20th century, it was common in American English, spreading to global English through media and business culture, where directness became valued.