Definition
Cross-government
Example: A first cut may be rough; it may not be a blank page sent at 5.59pm.
Also known as: first-cut, first cut draft, first-cut response
Context: A first cut is meant to give reviewers something concrete to react to; it should not be treated as near-final.
Where you may encounter this
Source checkedfor First cut (opens in a new tab) Checked 2026-07-30