cut corners

Idioms and Phrases

Do something in the easiest or least expensive way; also, act illegally. For example, Cutting corners in production led to a definite loss in product quality , or If the accountant cuts corners the auditors are sure to find out . This term alludes to rounding a corner as closely as possible in order to shorten the distance traversed and/or save time. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

For those of us who proudly trade sex for money, Sheen's celebrity status would not be a reason to cut corners.

From The Daily Beast

And when you sell stuff, you often cut corners with the truth.

From The Daily Beast

That is the way it nearly always happens with people who try to cut corners.

From Project Gutenberg

And the wheels that cut corners soon get to looking shabby from lack of paint.

From Project Gutenberg

It's as dry as a fossil bone there so his skinflint company cut corners on the stainless steel.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at this point that he began to cut corners with disastrous results.

From Project Gutenberg

That penny-pinching Skinner wants me to cut corners and get myself into trouble so he can fire me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• collect
• conserve
• keep
• maintain
• manage
• spare
• store