cut a rug

• cut the rug

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

cut a rug

1. (idiomatic) To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
   • 1991, Ron Alexander, "A Step Back to Supper Clubs and Swing," New York Times, 15 Dec. (retrieved 15 Sep. 2008),

     Young-generation patrons seem to be as fascinated watching the more mature dancers cut a rug.

   • 2009, Train, "Hey, Soul Sister"

     The way you can cut a rug, watching you's the only drug I need.

   • 2017, Lana Del Rey, "When The World Was At War We Kept Dancing"

     Cut a rug, lean into the fuckin' youth.