Glossary: Cheat cut
In the continuity editing system, a cut that presents continuous time from shot to shot but that (intentionally) mismatches the positions of figures or objects. In the example below, a match on action (Elliott turns around) cheats Elliott a few feet closer to the girl who has a crush on him. The second framing can then suggest that Elliott's argument with the boy distracts him from the girl.
From E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
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Frame 1: Elliott, arguing with another boy, turns
around...
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Frame 2: ... and has moved from one side of the bus
to the other
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