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cut a wide swath

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cut a wide swath

 and cut a big swath

to seem important; to attract a lot of attention. In social matters, Mrs. Smith cuts a wide swath. Bob cuts a big swath whenever he appears in his military uniform.

See also: cut, swath, wide

cut a wide swath

Draw a lot of attention, make a considerable display, as in Although he was new to the company, he cut a wide swath. This metaphoric use of making a big sweep of the scythe in cutting grass survives despite the mechanization of farming and the declining use of the noun swath. [Mid-1800s]

See also: cut, swath, wide

cut a wide swath

To make a big display; draw much attention.

See also: cut, swath, wide