Endure each cut except the last (9)
I believe the answer is:
persevere
'endure' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'each cut except the last' is the wordplay.
'each' becomes 'per' ('per' can mean for each).
'cut' becomes 'sever' (to sever is to cut or split).
'except the last' becomes 'e' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'per'+'sever'+'e'='PERSEVERE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for persevere that I've seen before include "Steadfastly continue" , "Go on in spite of setbacks" , "Be persistent, refuse to stop" , "Continue in adversity" , "Keep going" .)