an idiom "to cut a wide swathe"

[Lost_Soul]

Hi again !

The other day I came across this marvellous idiom To cut a wide swath.
The dictionary defines it as to make a great impression, to show off.

Could you tell me if you use this idiom in that meaning, and do you frequently use it in your everyday speech?

Can I also use it in this context: Bill has bought himself a luxurious racing car and now he's trying to cut a wide swath with the girls from his neighbourhood ?

Many thanks.

[Alan]

Hi,

The word is 'swathe' . To me the expression 'cut a wide swathe through' is to make a wide inroad into or across something. This has come to mean to have a great effect on. I'm not so familiar with the idea of 'showing off'.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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