Pronunciation: [kˈʌts tˈuː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "cuts two" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. "Cuts" is pronounced as /kʌts/, with the "u" sound being pronounced as a short "uh" sound. "Two" is pronounced as /tu/, where the "o" sound is pronounced as a short "uh" sound and the "w" letter is pronounced as a "v" sound. Therefore, when written together, the phrase "cuts two" can be pronounced as /kʌts tu/.
"Cuts two" is an idiomatic expression that originated from poker, specifically a variant of Texas hold 'em known as "cut-throat." The phrase "cuts two" refers to a situation where a player intentionally splits the pot evenly between two opponents.
In poker, when multiple players reach the showdown and reveal their hands, the pot is typically awarded to the player with the best hand. However, in rare cases where two players possess identical hands, the pot is split evenly between them. This outcome is known as a "chop" or "divide," and "cuts two" is a phrase often used to describe this specific situation. It signifies that a player has skillfully managed to manipulate the game in a way that benefits them, resulting in a tie and an equal split of the winnings.
Outside of poker, the phrase "cuts two" can be used figuratively to describe any situation where a person manages to divide or share something evenly between two opposing sides or individuals. For example, in a negotiation or compromise, if a person successfully persuades two conflicting parties to reach a fair and equal agreement, one might say that person "cuts two."
Overall, "cuts two" is most commonly associated with poker and signifies the splitting of the pot evenly between two players who possess identical hands. However, it can also have a broader figurative application to describe any situation where something is divided or shared equally between two opposing parties.
