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]

---

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

“It’s likely that developers in the District often cut corners knowing that DCRA, and now the Department of Buildings under the same leadership, will not stop them,” Bagge said.

From Washington Post

The technology’s astonishing capabilities have led some school districts to consider banning it lest students use it to cut corners on class and homework assignments.

From Washington Post

He also defended his record “as a fighter for the most marginalized people in society” and “a hardworking representative who doesn’t cut corners.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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