Meaning
To take drastic measures to end a problem quickly and completely.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this is a very common phrase in professional environments. It is seen as a sign of efficiency. Mexicans often use this when talking about ending toxic relationships or 'cortar' (breaking up) with someone. Argentines value directness. Using this phrase shows you are not afraid to take charge. In Colombia, it is often used in family or business settings to resolve long-standing disputes.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to show you are serious about a decision.
Don't use it for small things
It sounds too dramatic for minor daily issues.
Meaning
To take drastic measures to end a problem quickly and completely.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to show you are serious about a decision.
Don't use it for small things
It sounds too dramatic for minor daily issues.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Después de tantos problemas, decidimos __________ con ese proveedor.
The idiom is 'cortar por lo sano'.
Which situation is appropriate for 'cortar por lo sano'?
Which of these is the best use case?
The idiom is for drastic, final measures, not daily tasks.
Match the Spanish phrase to its English equivalent.
Cortar por lo sano
Both imply a quick, decisive, and potentially painful action.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDespués de tantos problemas, decidimos __________ con ese proveedor.
The idiom is 'cortar por lo sano'.
Which of these is the best use case?
The idiom is for drastic, final measures, not daily tasks.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Both imply a quick, decisive, and potentially painful action.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt can be if you say it to someone about their own problems. Use it for your own decisions.
Yes, it shows you are decisive and can handle difficult situations.
Related Phrases
Cortar de raíz
synonymTo cut from the root
Hacer borrón y cuenta nueva
similarTo wipe the slate clean
Tomar el toro por los cuernos
similarTo take the bull by the horns
Ir al grano
similarTo get to the point
