Cut corners
verb
To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by ignoring rules or leaving out some of the work.
To finish the project on time, they decided to cut corners and skip the quality checks.
Often appears as...
- cut corners on quality
- cut corners to save time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To drive to the left at a corner in order to save time or distance.
He cuts corners when driving, which can be quite dangerous.
Often appears as...
- cut corners while driving
- cut corners to save time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by ignoring rules or leaving out some of the work.
To finish the project on time, they decided to cut corners and skip the quality checks.
Often appears as...
- cut corners on quality
- cut corners to save time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To drive to the left at a corner in order to save time or distance.
He cuts corners when driving, which can be quite dangerous.
Often appears as...
- cut corners while driving
- cut corners to save time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies poor quality or unethical practice to save resources or time.
The construction felt unsafe because they clearly cut corners.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid In Professional
Seen as unprofessional, avoid using the phrase in formal business or academic writing.
In your report, don't say you 'cut corners'; say you 'optimized processes'.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextually Flexible
Suitable for various contexts but maintains a negative implication across them.
She cut corners on her homework, and the teacher noticed.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies poor quality or unethical practice to save resources or time.
The construction felt unsafe because they clearly cut corners.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid In Professional
Seen as unprofessional, avoid using the phrase in formal business or academic writing.
In your report, don't say you 'cut corners'; say you 'optimized processes'.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextually Flexible
Suitable for various contexts but maintains a negative implication across them.
She cut corners on her homework, and the teacher noticed.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Implies poor quality or unethical practice to save resources or time.
The construction felt unsafe because they clearly cut corners.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid In Professional
Seen as unprofessional, avoid using the phrase in formal business or academic writing.
In your report, don't say you 'cut corners'; say you 'optimized processes'.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextually Flexible
Suitable for various contexts but maintains a negative implication across them.
She cut corners on her homework, and the teacher noticed.
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