PhrasesHub

Cutting corners

    Definitions

      • Taking shortcuts or finding an easier or quicker way to complete a task
        Can be used to describe someone who is not putting in their full effort or taking the necessary steps to achieve a desired result.

      • Compromising quality or safety in order to save time or money
        Often used in a negative context to warn against taking shortcuts that may have negative consequences.

      • Avoiding rules or regulations
        Can be used to describe someone who is not following proper procedures or guidelines in order to save time or effort.

    Examples of Cutting corners

    • John has been cutting corners on his projects lately, which is causing issues with the quality of his work.

      This idiom means to take shortcuts or to do something in a quick and easy way, often at the expense of quality or effectiveness. In this example, John is saving time by taking shortcuts, but it is negatively affecting the overall quality of his work.

    • To save time, some drivers cut corners on winding roads, but this can be dangerous and lead to accidents.

      This example shows how cutting corners can have negative consequences, as it can be dangerous to cut corners on winding roads. The idiom is being used to describe the action of taking shortcuts in a situation where it may not be safe or effective.

    • The company's new marketing strategy involves cutting corners in order to save money.

      This example shows how cutting corners can be used to save money, but it may negatively affect the overall effectiveness of the marketing strategy. The idiom is being used to describe the action of taking shortcuts in order to save money.

    • The construction workers were cutting corners by using cheap materials, which led to the building collapsing.

      This example shows how cutting corners can have serious consequences, as it led to the building collapsing. The idiom is being used to describe the action of taking shortcuts by using cheap materials, which ultimately led to a negative outcome.

    • Some students cut corners by cheating on their exams, which is not only dishonest but also negatively affects their academic performance.

      This example shows how cutting corners can have negative consequences, as it is dishonest and negatively affects academic performance. The idiom is being used to describe the action of taking shortcuts by cheating on exams.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "cutting corners" is often used to describe someone who is taking shortcuts or not putting in their full effort in order to achieve a desired result. It can also refer to compromising quality or safety in order to save time or money, or to avoiding rules or regulations. In all of these cases, the intention is to complete a task in an easier or quicker way, but the use of this idiom often carries a negative connotation.

    Origin of "Cutting corners"

    The origin of the idiom "cutting corners" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the world of carpentry. In traditional carpentry, it is important to make precise and accurate cuts in order to ensure the structural integrity of a building. However, some carpenters may try to save time by cutting corners instead of making proper cuts, leading to a weaker and less stable structure. This idea of taking shortcuts or not putting in the necessary effort has since been applied to various other areas of life, leading to the use of this idiom in a figurative sense.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated in the world of horse racing. Jockeys would sometimes cut corners on the track in order to get ahead of their competitors, but this tactic was considered cheating and could result in disqualification. This idea of cheating or breaking the rules in order to get ahead is another possible origin for the idiom "cutting corners."

    Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase "cutting corners" has been used figuratively for many years and is now a commonly used idiom in everyday language. It serves as a cautionary reminder to not take shortcuts or compromise quality in order to achieve a desired result.