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

When deadlines and bills are circling you, the temptation to cut corners is extremely powerful.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

But as Longwell explained, Paxton’s bad behavior gets interpreted as evidence that he’s a “fighter” who is willing to cut corners to “get things done.”

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Here’s one risk of customer pay: Some price-conscious drivers may be tempted to cut corners by buying parts that may be cheaper, but aren’t as roadworthy.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

“When you try to cut corners to save money or make more units, it shouldn’t be at the price of children that die,” Lima said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

There were the hardworking ones who were easy to get along with and didn’t try to cut corners and melded in quite nicely.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

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