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

Some argue a headlong commercial race will inevitably incentivize companies to cut corners on safety.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

But those cases all involved human decisions -- executives, salespeople or engineers who made choices and cut corners.

From Barron's ● May 11, 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

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

From Slate ● Mar. 28, 2026

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

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