expression, godan verb (-ru)
clear phlegm from the throat; break up mucus
Literal physical action of coughing or hacking to expel phlegm.
朝起きると、まず痰を切る。
When I wake up in the morning, I first clear my throat of phlegm.
風邪で痰が絡むので、何度も痰を切った。
Because of a cold, phlegm was stuck in my throat, so I cleared it many times.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
speak sharply; talk big; rant
Idiomatic use; implies speaking in a forceful, pompous, or cutting manner, often during an argument. Related to 啖呵を切る.
See also: 啖呵を切る
会議で彼は痰を切って、反対意見をばっさり批判した。
At the meeting, he spoke sharply and harshly criticized the opposing opinion.
あの政治家はいつも痰を切るような演説をする。
That politician always gives speeches as if he's ranting.