to cut dirt

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To run; to go fast. A vulgar expression, probably derived from the quick motion of a horse or carriage over a country road, which makes the dirt fly.


Well, the way the cow cut dirt was cautionary; she cleared stumps, ditches, windfalls, and everything.--Sam Slick in England, ch. 18.

Now cut dirt! screamed I; and, Jehu Gineral Jackson! if he didn't make a straight shirt-tail for the door, may I never make another pass.--Field, Western Tales, p. 132.

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