# cut to the quick

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To hurt a person deeply, especially emotionally.
2. To incisively discuss the underlying sensitive or unpleasant root of a given topic.
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see cut, quick.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cut-to-the-quick