Verb
cut a figure (third-person singular simple present cuts a figure, present participle cutting a figure, simple past and past participle cut a figure)
(idiomatic) To present an image; to make an impression.
Send me 300 francs; that sum will enable me to go to Paris. There, at least, one can cut a figure and surmount obstacles. Everything tells me I shall succeed. Will you prevent me from doing so for the want of 100 crowns? Napoleon Bonaparte