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Mr. Tom Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

Cut to the quick

Hi

His nails were cut to the quick.

I want to ask:

Is the expressions common in everyday English?
Does it mean exactly the same as "His nails were cut very short."?
And is the word "quick" also a part of the fingers -- I mean, which quick is this?

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Mr. "? Cut too short, actually.

— Mister Micawber

  • Mr.
  • "?
  • Cut too short, actually.
  • When cut to the quick, your fingers hurt.
  • Mr.
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3 Answers
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Mr. TomDoes it mean exactly the same as "His nails were cut very short."?
Cut too short, actually. When cut to the quick, your fingers hurt.
Mr. TomAnd is the word "quick" also a part of the fingers -- I mean, which quick is this?
Yes: the tender, sensitive flesh of the living body, especially that under the nails: nail
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Thanks, MM!

One more question.

Is it a formal expression or informal? I mean, would a native speaker walking down the street use/understand the expression?

Tom
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Mr. Tom would a native speaker walking down the street use/understand the expression?
Yes, but it is more often used metaphorically.

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