cut corners

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

“He absolutely believed he was above the law. He loved cutting corners. He loved suing people.”

From Washington Post

This is someone who built his career playing inside baseball and within the institutions and believing that although he could skate and cut corners.

From Salon

“We don’t cut corners. We don’t play favorites.”

From Seattle Times

“They cut corners on inspections and other precautions to cut their costs, while spending billions on stock buybacks that enrich executives.”

From New York Times

Fraud was rampant because the government, intent on getting assistance out the door, cut corners.

From Washington Times

Related Words

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