Also means
contrast sharply
Usage Note
Trancher means to cut cleanly through something, but figuratively it means to settle a matter decisively or to stand out in sharp contrast (sa veste rouge tranche sur le fond gris). The noun une tranche means a slice. Trancher dans le vif means to take drastic, decisive action.
Examples
"Il tranche le pain avec un grand couteau."
Natural Translation
He slices the bread with a large knife.

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