The answers to the following clues will have something in common:

1. Superior
2. Kindergartners and computers do it.
3. Laugh-a-minute guy
4. Avoid elimination
5. Get down to the nitty-gritty
6. Ruthless
7. Routine
8. Learn or use at an early age
9. Reduce the prestige of the arrogant
10. Able to do the job
11. Vanguard
12. Injure yourself out of anger at another

Answers:

1. Cut above
2. Cut-and-paste
3. Cutup
4. Make the cut
5. Cut to the chase
6. Cutthroat
7. Cut and dried
8. Cut one's teeth on
9. Cut down to size
10. Cut the mustard
11. Cutting edge
12. Cut off your nose to spite your face