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

See Examples For:

cut corners

Investigations have only just begun, but Bowen said he believed the property owners may have cut corners in their plans to construct a nine-story building for apartments and a grocery store.

From Barron's ● Nov. 12, 2026

The prosecutor claimed there was evidence showing that he "cut corners" to "save cost".

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

Students understand AI’s power because many of us already use it to cut corners in school.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

The problem with tax preparers getting paid with a piece of the refund is that it can be an incentive for them to cut corners.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 9, 2026

The demand for new garments has slowed, and people have taken to mending their own clothes— it’s one place they can easily cut corners.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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