Cut the corner

verb phrase

To take a shortcut or the shortest route.

He cuts the corner to reach school faster.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - To take a shortcut or the shortest route.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner to
  • always cut the corner

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase

To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often harming the quality.

In order to finish the project quickly, he cut the corner.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often harming the quality.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner in
  • cut the corner on

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

In driving, to turn a corner tightly, encroaching on the opposite lane.

He cut the corner and narrowly missed the opposite car.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - In driving, to turn a corner tightly, encroaching on the opposite lane.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner while
  • cut the corner and
verb phrase

To take a shortcut or the shortest route.

He cuts the corner to reach school faster.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - To take a shortcut or the shortest route.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner to
  • always cut the corner

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase

To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often harming the quality.

In order to finish the project quickly, he cut the corner.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often harming the quality.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner in
  • cut the corner on

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb phrase

In driving, to turn a corner tightly, encroaching on the opposite lane.

He cut the corner and narrowly missed the opposite car.
Visual representation of "cut the corner" - In driving, to turn a corner tightly, encroaching on the opposite lane.

Often appears as...

  • cut the corner while
  • cut the corner and
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "cut the corner"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Shortcuts

Often refers to physically taking a shorter path, like walking diagonally across a street.

Illustration for Physical Shortcuts
I'm late; I need to cut the corner across the park.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Colloquial Use

Used informally, it suggests saving time or effort in a non-professional context.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
Let's cut the corner and use the prepared mix for the cake.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Shortcuts

Often refers to physically taking a shorter path, like walking diagonally across a street.

Illustration for Physical Shortcuts
I'm late; I need to cut the corner across the park.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Colloquial Use

Used informally, it suggests saving time or effort in a non-professional context.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
Let's cut the corner and use the prepared mix for the cake.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Shortcuts

Often refers to physically taking a shorter path, like walking diagonally across a street.

Illustration for Physical Shortcuts
I'm late; I need to cut the corner across the park.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Colloquial Use

Used informally, it suggests saving time or effort in a non-professional context.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
Let's cut the corner and use the prepared mix for the cake.
Visual representation of the word "Cut the corner"

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