cut corners
Meaning
To do something in the cheapest or easiest way by skipping steps or standards, often reducing quality, safety, or thoroughness.
Origin
From the literal idea of taking a shorter route by cutting across a corner instead of following the full path; figuratively, it came to mean taking shortcuts and skipping proper procedures.
Notes
Usually negative: implies negligence, lower quality, or unsafe/unclear work. Common in business, construction, compliance, and school contexts. Neutral only when clearly about harmless efficiency.
Examples
-
If we cut corners on safety checks, someone could get seriously hurt.
-
They cut corners during construction, and now the building has constant leaks.
-
I know you're in a hurry, but don't cut corners on the final report.
-
The company cut corners by using cheaper materials to boost profits.
-
You might save time if you cut corners, but the quality will suffer.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: "cut corners" (often no article). Verb inflects (cut/cutting/cuts). Common patterns: cut corners on/with/in + noun; donβt cut corners; corners may take modifiers (too many corners).
Synonyms
- take shortcuts
- skimp
- do a slapdash job
- cut costs (at the expense of quality)
- cheat
Antonyms
- do it by the book
- follow the rules
- take no shortcuts