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Cut and run

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To flee quickly from danger or responsibility, especially in a cowardly manner.

Detailed Definition
Nautical in origin—referring to cutting anchor ropes to escape rapidly—this idiom implies panicked retreat. In poetry, it depicts abandonment, moral failure, or survival instinct, often with ambivalence. War poets contrast it with valor; confessional poets may embrace it as self-preservation. Its abrupt rhythm mirrors haste, making it effective in kinetic or fragmented verse. While judgmental, it also invites empathy for human fragility under duress, appearing in poems about exile, betrayal, or the shame of flight versus the necessity of escape.
Example
Example in poetry:
Wilfred Owen’s soldiers sometimes “cut and run” from gas attacks—not cowardice, but survival; A breakup poem: “When love turned toxic, I cut and run—no shame in fleeing poison”; In exile verse: “They cut and run under moonless skies, carrying only their children’s names”; Confessional: “I cut and run from therapy—too raw, too soon—but returned when ready”.
Additional Notes
Nautical in origin—cutting anchor ropes to flee rapidly—this idiom implies panicked retreat. In poetry, it depicts abandonment or survival instinct, often with ambivalence. War poets contrast it with valor; confessional poets may embrace it as self-preservation. Its abrupt rhythm mirrors haste, making it effective in kinetic verse. Students should explore how poets complicate moral judgment—framing flight not as cowardice but as necessary adaptation in contexts of abuse, war, or psychological overwhelm.
Also Known As
Run away
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