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

She wasn't willing to cut corners or the quality of her shows, she said.

From BBC

"It's more about the production side – there being being low education, low regulation, people cutting corners."

From BBC

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

Related Words

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