cut corners

idiom/kʌt ˈkɔːrnərz/ 🔊 listen

Cut corners means to do something in the easiest, cheapest, or quickest way, usually sacrificing quality or skipping important steps. It often carries a negative tone, suggesting the result suffers because care was skipped.

📖 Meanings

1to do a job poorly by skipping steps or saving cost
"They cut corners on the construction, and the roof started leaking." — They did the construction poorly to save money, and the roof started leaking.
2to take shortcuts that reduce quality or safety
"Don't cut corners when it comes to safety." — Don't take risky shortcuts when it comes to safety.

🔄 Related phrases

take shortcuts →do a half-baked job →skimp on →

💬 Common patterns

cut corners ondon't cut cornerscutting corners
❓ How do you say someone did a job poorly to save time or money?