cut to the quick . cut to the quick {v. phr.} To hurt someone's feelings deeply. The children 's teasing cut Mary to the quick. Categories: add yours children hurt {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: C Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry