To cut and run

Cut \Cut\ (k[u^]t), v. i.
   1. To do the work of an edged tool; to serve in dividing or
      gashing; as, a knife cuts well.
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   2. To admit of incision or severance; to yield to a cutting
      instrument.
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            Panels of white wood that cuts like cheese.
                                                  --Holmes.
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   3. To perform the operation of dividing, severing, incising,
      intersecting, etc.; to use a cutting instrument.
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            He saved the lives of thousands by his manner of
            cutting for the stone.                --Pope.
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   4. To make a stroke with a whip.
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   5. To interfere, as a horse.
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   6. To move or make off quickly. [Colloq.]
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   7. To divide a pack of cards into two portion to decide the
      deal or trump, or to change the order of the cards to be
      dealt.
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   {To cut across}, to pass over or through in the most direct
      way; as, to cut across a field.

   {To cut and run}, to make off suddenly and quickly; -- from
      the cutting of a ship's cable, when there is not time to
      raise the anchor. [Colloq.]

   {To cut in} or {To cut into}, to interrupt; to join in
      anything suddenly.

   {To cut up}.
      (a) To play pranks. [Colloq.]
      (b) To divide into portions well or ill; to have the
          property left at one's death turn out well or poorly
          when divided among heirs, legatees, etc. [Slang.]
          "When I die, may I cut up as well as Morgan
          Pendennis." --Thackeray.
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