to cut to the chase

Idiom: to cut to the chase; used as a verb

First Example:

Henry: ...and then, I asked if there was going to be a meeting about this, or if it was just a decision from management, but she couldn't tell me, although she did not seem to want a meeting...       

Patti: Can you just cut to the chase already? Are they making the change or not?

Henry: Oh, uh, yeah, the managers decided.

Patti: Great, thanks.

Meaning: The expression "to cut to the chase " means to focus on what's important. As in the above example, the expression is often used when someone is telling a story or giving background, but the other person just wants to know the final outcome.

Second Example:

Lou: I need a new assistant. Mine is not working out.

Nico: Why not?

Lou: She gets hung up on little details, but our office is such a fast-paced environment. I need someone who can cut to the chase and get things done.

Nico: I think I know someone who might be perfect. I'll tell her to send you her resume.

Lou: Thanks!

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Pay it forward

Context #1  

John: Have you heard what people have started doing at the Starbucks drive through?  The person in front is paying for whatever the people behind them have ordered.

Steve: Yeah, I've heard about that happening. I guess people are just trying to be kind to each other.

John: That's right. It's a really cool way to pay it forward.  

Context #2

Jenny: Look someone left their wallet in the classroom.

Christine: What should we do?

Jenny: Let's take it to the school's office. I know they have a lost and found. Maybe they can even find the owner.

Christine:That's a good idea. I'm glad you're doing the right thing and paying it forward.

Meaning: "pay it forward" is an idiom that has come into use relatively recently.  It is used when someone does something kind or morally right knowing that if they do good, then in the future someone else will be kind or do good to them. If you are kind, you will receive kindness in the future. If you do bad to others, something bad will happen to you in the future. 

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