You cut it a bit thin

[kenny4528]

Hi there, I'm reading a piece of paragraphs in the novel and its meaning is way over my head. I'll try to provide you with as much infomation on the story as I possibly could to help:

'He dead?'
Giordino shook his head. 'not quite. I thought it best if he lives. Maybe he can be persuaded to tell the police and FBI what he knows.'
'You cut it a bit thin, didn't you? Pitt said, with a tight grin.
Giordino looked at him and shrugged. 'I was on my way two seconds after I saw you get sandbagged, but I had to stop and take care of the guard outside the barn.'

I'm uncertain if the surrounding context above helps you understand what 'You cut it a bit thin' means in here. Though in earlier text in which Giordino was cutting away the ropes that bound his another friend, I don't think they have anything to do with each other. I'd assume Pitt meant to say he thought G's turning up was too late, in a joking manner. Am my thoguht right on the money?

 

[Copyright]

Cut it a bit thin or cut it close means you didn't leave much room for error -- in this case, Giordino got there in the nick of time... a few seconds later and he would have been too late to help Pitt.

 

[mgcrules]

That expression means that you're cutting it fine, getting too close to comfort.
For example, say you need 20 marks to pass a test, and you get 21, you could say that you 'cut it a bit thin.'

Hope that helps.

 

[kenny4528]

Thanks for your helps~

 

[Copyright]

One more help... help is always singular in this case, even if you receive it from more than one person. You're welcome.

 

[kenny4528]

One more help... help is always singular in this case, even if you receive it from more than one person. You're welcome.

Yes, it's been confusing to me all along. Cheers~