English idiom

cut your losses

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to stop investing in a failing venture in order to avoid further loss

Why this phrase?

From trading: the discipline of selling before the loss grows.

Example

“We cut our losses on the hardware line and went software-only.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

ballpark figure

a rough estimate, not an exact number

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

green light

official permission to proceed with something

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

money doesn't grow on trees

Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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