Cut to the crux

This classic from the “Master” mixes “cut to the chase” (get to the point) and “crux of the matter” (important point), creating perhaps a better expression as it describes going directly to the important point of a story/problem/issue.   The “Master” was indeed ahead of his time, coining this beauty in 1981.   Interestingly, a google search of this phrase produced over 5,000 results, making it a commonly used malaphor.