cut the ribbon

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To officially open a new building, road, or business by cutting a ribbon in a ceremony.

   Grammar: Fixed phrase; used as an intransitive verb phrase, often followed by 'for' or 'at' to say what is being opened.

   Patterns

   • cut the ribbon at something
   • cut the ribbon for something
   • be invited to cut the ribbon

   The mayor will cut the ribbon at the new library tomorrow morning.

   A famous athlete was asked to cut the ribbon for the new sports center.

   After the speeches, the owner cut the ribbon and everyone went inside.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurative

   To mark the start of something new in a public, ceremonial way.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively for projects or events, not just physical places.

   Patterns

   • cut the ribbon on something
   • cut the ribbon to launch something

   The company cut the ribbon on its new online service with a live event.

   They cut the ribbon to launch the charity campaign, hoping to raise a million dollars.

Common combinations

cut the ribbon at a ceremony

The mayor cut the ribbon at the ceremony for the new bridge.

invite someone to cut the ribbon

They invited the oldest resident to cut the ribbon.

ribbon-cutting ceremony

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

Synonyms and how they differ

open

Open is the general verb for starting a business or event; cut the ribbon specifically refers to the ceremonial act.

inaugurate

Inaugurate is more formal and can refer to official openings or beginnings; cut the ribbon is the physical, celebratory action.

Word family

ribbon noun

A long, narrow strip of fabric used for decoration or tying.

ribbon-cutting noun

The ceremony of cutting a ribbon to open something.

Practice

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Write a sentence using “cut the ribbon”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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