Do not index
Do not index
What does "Cut corners" mean?
To 'cut corners' means to do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often resulting in a substandard outcome.
When do you use "Cut corners"?
This phrase is appropriate when discussing situations where someone is trying to reduce effort or costs at the expense of quality, such as in business practices, project management, or personal tasks.
"Cut corners" Usage Examples
- The contractor cut corners on the building project, leading to structural issues.
- If you cut corners while studying for the exam, you might not perform well.
- The company was criticized for cutting corners in safety protocols, which put employees at risk.
- I decided not to cut corners when preparing for the presentation, as I wanted it to be perfect.
- He often cuts corners in his cooking, which is why his meals don't taste as good.
"Cut corners" Explained
The phrase likely originates from the practice of taking shortcuts, which can be literal in terms of traveling a route more directly by cutting across corners. In a metaphorical sense, it implies sacrificing quality or thoroughness for efficiency or cost-saving.