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

Mr. Perez could afford slim markups because he cut corners on required expenses such as workers’ compensation payments and payroll taxes, according to interviews and two decades of criminal cases against him.

From New York Times

The NAO concluded that the Home Office's attempt to acquire Northeye "within just a few months... led it to cut corners and make a series of poor decisions".

From BBC

In a statement, the guild said employees at the Redlands pharmacy, who often handle medications with strict temperature controls and short shelf lives, are being pressured to cut corners in ways that compromise patient care.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the court’s findings are “a testament to the fact that this document reflects cutting corners at the expense of the community and in the interest of industry.”

From Los Angeles Times

Can an ambitious home building target be met, and quickly, without cutting corners that might harbour the next disaster and while simultaneously sorting out the injustices Grenfell has exposed?

From BBC

Related Words

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