Use 'to the core' when emphasizing that something applies completely or affects every part without exception.

Emphasis on Totality

'To the core' can describe both very positive and very negative qualities or situations.

Positive or Negative

The phrase often conveys strong emotions when describing a person's character or a situation.

'To the core' can highlight what something's truly about, stripping away all non-essential aspects.

Use it to point out the most fundamental part of an argument or issue that's being discussed.

When something 'cuts to the core', it emotionally affects someone very deeply and significantly.