Cut out

Left in the lurch; superseded. In cards, when there are too many for a game (say whist), it is customary for the players to cut out after a [rubber], in order that another player may have a turn. This is done by the players cutting the cards on the table, and the lowest turn-up gives place to the new hand, who “supersedes” him, or takes his place.

⁂ It does not refer to cutting out a ship from an enemy’s port.

He is cut out for a sailor. His natural propensities are suited for the vocation. The allusion is to cutting out cloth, etc., for specific purposes.

· ·

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.