English · Work & Business
cut corners
/kʌt ˈkɔː.nəz/
[/kʌt ˈkɔː.nəz/]
do something cheaply
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality.
Example
The builders cut corners on the foundations, and now the whole wall is starting to crack.
The builders cut corners on the foundations, and now the whole wall is starting to crack.
Etymology
From the literal practice of taking a shortcut across the corner of a path to save time.
How & Where It’s Used
Common, often disapproving, for doing work substandardly to save effort or money.