To depart rapidly; the idea being that the horse-hoofs make the dirt fly. Mr. Farmer claims an early example in “a negro song,” 1829.
1833. I must cut dirt soon, for some place where there’s more room.—J. K. Paulding, ‘The Banks of the Ohio,’ i. 158 (Lond.).
1833. Cut dirt, stranger, for your life; there’s a whirlwind coming.—Id., i. 223.
1834. Last year the regulators swore for him, and he cut dirt I tell you.—W. G. Simms, ‘Guy Rivers,’ i. 62 (N.Y., 1837).
1835. If ever you saw wax works cut dirt, they cut it then.—A. B. Longstreet, ‘Georgia Scenes,’ p. 202.
1836. After boarding a day or two, and running up a bar-bill he “cut dirt,” and left mine host of the Eagle to whistle for his pay.—Phila. Public Ledger, April 27.
1836. The little critter [a mustang] … cut dirt in beautiful style, I tell you.—‘Col. Crockett in Texas,’ p. 150 (Phila.).
1862. Gen. Floyd at Fort Donelson tried to make the rebel soldiers cut a new intrenchment. They felt weary, and refused. O, very well, said he, if you won’t cut dirt, I will.—Missouri Democrat, March 17.
1862.
| Why, two-thirds o’ the Rebbles ’ould cut dirt, | |
| Ef they once thought thet Guv’ment meant to hurt. | |
Lowell, ‘Biglow Papers,’ 2nd Series, No. 2. |
