cut corners
Say it: cut KOR-nuhz /ˌkʌt ˈkɔːnəz/ · idiom
What “cut corners” means
Skip important steps to save time or money.
More precisely: To do something cheaply or quickly by skipping steps, often lowering quality or safety.
Example: “The builders clearly cut corners: the shower leaked within a week.”
When to use it
At work or when judging a service, to criticise shortcuts that make the result worse or less safe.
Similar words
skimp, do a rush job, take shortcuts
Quick check
A furniture maker skips sanding and uses too little glue to finish faster, leaving rough, loose joints. Which phrase describes this?
cut corners or work smarter?
Show the answer
cut corners
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