cut someone dead
Pretend not seeing
To cut someone dead is to deliberately ignore them, pretending not to see or recognize them despite being in close proximity.
The snub is pointed and unmistakable—you look right through them as if they don't exist: She cut him dead at the party after what he'd said about her.
The phrase suggests social punishment through conspicuous non-acknowledgment.
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- ignoreRefuse to notice
- look right throughDeliberately not acknowledge someone
- shunDeliberately keep away
- cold-shoulderIntentional social rejection
pretend not to see · icy stare · spurn · humiliation · ostracize · send to Coventry · persona non grata · alienation · rebuff · isolation · blank · social exclusion · dismiss · avoid · pay no mind · embarrassment · shame · disregard