cut the cord
Meaning
To become independent from a person or organization you relied on (often family/parents); also used for stopping cable TV service.
Origin
Originally refers to cutting an umbilical cord after birth; figuratively, it came to mean separating from a source of support. In modern use, it also became common for canceling cable TV (“cord-cutting”).
Notes
Common figurative sense is becoming independent (often from parents). Also widely used in media/tech for canceling cable TV (“cord-cutting”); context usually makes the meaning clear.
Examples
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After graduating and getting a job, she cut the cord with her parents and built her own life.
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The company needs to cut the cord from its old analog processes and go fully cloud-based.
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He knew he had to cut the cord and let his kids become independent.
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The co-founders decided it was time to cut the cord with their investors and move forward.
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She finally moved on after she cut the cord with her ex.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: “cut the cord.” Often used in forms like “It’s time to cut the cord,” “cut the cord with/from X,” or in the noun form “cord-cutting.” Tense changes: cut/cut/cut.
Synonyms
- become independent
- strike out on your own
- sever ties
- break away
- go it alone
- cancel cable
- cord-cut
Antonyms
- stay dependent
- rely on
- keep the connection