What does it mean if someone says “I dont want to cut a sorry figure again by calling you and getting a negative reponse”?
To cut a sorry figure means to appear pathetic and sad. So the person is unwilling to phone someone in case they reject him/her. To cut a figure means, to create an image. To cut a fine figure means, to be admired for your appearance, usually because you are wearing attractive clothes. To cut a sorry figure means the opposite. You can also cut an [interesting/ridiculous/unusual etc.] figure.
