Idiom: Cutting Edge
Meaning: The most modern or advanced point of something, at the forefront, newest, up-to-date, the
leading or most important part of a movement ,
leading edge; commonly used as both a noun and adjective

Context #1 – Belinda and Sal are studying
Sal:This new phone is great for studying. While reading
this book on my phone for class, I can look up unknown words instantly with one
tap, write notes with a stylus in the margins, and quickly find commentary and
explanations on the internet. I don’t even need a computer.
Belinda: Wow,
that’s nice! I do a lot of studying on my iPad. I can’t imagine what it was
like before all this cutting edge technology.
Sal: I know! Can you
imagine reading a book and then looking up the words in a paperback dictionary?
That would take forever!
Belinda: Well,
my grandma says she will never go back to the way it was before. She is on the cutting edge of technology, despite her
age!
Sal: Good for her! I cannot imagine it any other
way.

Context #2 – Daphne is
asking about Cecil’s new watch
Daphne: Is that a new Apple Watch?
Cecil: Yes, it is. My parents gave it to me for my
birthday.
Daphne: That’s so cool! You are on the cutting edge of technology and fashion with
such a nice looking watch!
Cecil: Thank you!

Check out this video for more examples of cutting edge technology!

Top 5 Wearable Tech

Meaning: The idiom “cutting edge” means the most modern
or advanced of something and can be used as both a noun and adjective.  In context one, they are discussing cutting
edge (adjective) technology and Belinda’s grandma who is on the cutting
edge (noun) of technology. In context 2, Daphne thinks that Cecil’s
watch is on the cutting edge (noun) of fashion as well as technology.