cut a wide swath

Definitions

1. 1

   To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area,…

   To clear a broad track through a grassland, woodland, geographical region, or other area, either by natural means or by human action.

   • Sherman started from Atlanta in the middle of November. He cut a wide swath of desolation through the South.
   • Swinging his bloody horns from side to side the beast cut a wide swath before him.
   • The twister cut a wide swath of destruction in Utica, a town of 2,000 people about 90 miles southwest of Chicago.
2. 2

   To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues

   To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

   • Girls who like to cut a wide swath ought to come out to China, for they will have enough flattery and attention to turn their heads.
   • During the two years that he [the Count] cut a wide swath in the city [Berlin] his name was constantly associated with that of some dancer, actress or other woman whose notoriety drew more attention than her talent.
   • The company certainly cut a wide swath in a conservative industry.

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