he cut something of a figure in Chicago
I am currently reading The Razor's Edge and I came across the sentences below. "he cut something of a figure in Chicago", what does this mean here please?

"It appeared that he had done well in the air corps and on his return he cut something of a figure in Chicago, the result of which was that several business men offered him positions. He thanked them, but refused."

Thanks a lot!

Question

he cut something of a figure in Chicago
I am currently reading The Razor's Edge and I came across the sentences below. "he cut something of a figure in Chicago", what does this mean here please?

"It appeared that he had done well in the air corps and on his return he cut something of a figure in Chicago, the result of which was that several business men offered him positions. He thanked them, but refused."

Thanks a lot!

Answer

"Cut a figure" is an idiom that means "to create an image."  One could use a pair of scissors to cut a figure out of paper.  One can also cut a figure if his personality or behavior is such that it creates a unique, memorable image and impresses others.  The person would thus be creating an image, a figure,  in the mind of others.

Answer

Haha, glad to find someone who also reads this novel. On my second reading now~

Answers · 3

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!