kʌt ˈkɔrnərz
Business
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To cut the corners of a path short
What does "cut corners" mean?
- To do something in the easiest or cheapest way
- To take shortcuts that reduce quality or safety
Examples
- The contractor cut corners and now the building has safety issues.
- Don't cut corners on safety equipment.
- They cut corners to meet the deadline, but the quality suffered.
Origin
From literally cutting across corners of a path or road to save time, rather than following the full route. Extended to any situation where shortcuts compromise quality.
How to use it
Usually negative—implies compromising quality or safety to save time or money. Common in construction and business contexts.
Similar expressions
take shortcuts
skimp
do shoddy work
Opposites
do things properly
be thorough
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- get up to speed
To become fully informed about a situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "cut corners" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.