- To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or fastest way, often by omitting steps, sacrificing quality, or ignoring rules/safety procedures.
- It almost always has a negative connotation, implying poor quality, risk, or dishonesty.
Explanation
Origin
Several possible origins, none definitively proven:
- Driving/Walking: Literally cutting across a corner instead of going around it properly – a shortcut.
- Tailoring/Manufacturing: Perhaps not finishing seams or edges properly to save time/material.
- Road construction: Building curves less gradually to save effort.
The common theme is taking a shortcut that bypasses thoroughness or proper procedure, often with negative consequences.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Half-ass it / Did a half-assed job
- Phoned it in
- Cheaped out (Focuses on saving money at expense of quality)
- Did it on the cheap
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Did a shit job.
- Fucked it up by being cheap/lazy.
Milder/Standard:
- Sacrificed quality.
- Took unacceptable shortcuts.
- Did not follow proper procedures.
- Performed substandard work.
More Formal:
- Failed to adhere to required standards.
- Engaged in cost-cutting measures detrimental to quality/safety.
- Compromised integrity for expediency.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Strongly negative connotation. Use carefully when accusing someone directly.
- Appropriate for discussing failures, quality issues, or warning against risky shortcuts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Literal interpretation (cutting physical corners) is unlikely in context.
- The main point is the strongly negative implication – it's not just about saving time/money, it's about doing so *improperly* or *negligently*.
Examples
- The builder cut corners on the foundation, and now the house has structural problems.
- Never cut corners when it comes to safety equipment.
- They tried to cut corners on the research phase, and the product failed in the market.
- She suspected they cut corners by using cheaper ingredients.
Dialogue
Inspector: The wiring in this building is not up to code. It's a fire hazard.
Homeowner: What? I paid a licensed electrician!
Inspector: Maybe so, but it looks like he cut corners. Used the wrong type of wire in several places, probably to save money.
Homeowner: Unbelievable! I need to get this fixed immediately.
Social Media Examples
- Consumer Review: This cheap furniture fell apart in a month. They clearly cut corners on materials and construction. Avoid! #ProductReview #Fail
- News Headline Snippet: Investigation reveals company cut corners on safety protocols leading up to the accident.
- DIY Fail Post: Tried to cut corners on prepping the walls before painting... now it's peeling. Lesson learned! #DIYfail #Painting
Response Patterns
- Disapproval/Concern: That's terrible!, Oh no, really?, That explains the problems., They shouldn't have done that.
- Inquiry: How did they cut corners?, What corners did they cut specifically?
- Agreement (if discussing consequences): Yeah, cutting corners always catches up with you.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting someone cut corners:
- Providing evidence or examples of the shortcuts taken.
- Discussing the negative consequences.
- Considering remedies or accountability.
After being warned not to cut corners:
- Acknowledging the importance of thoroughness/safety.
- Asking for clarification on proper procedures.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to criticize or explain poor quality, failures, or risks resulting from taking improper shortcuts.
Intonation
- Emphasis on cut and corners. CUT CORNERS.
- Tone is usually disapproving, critical, or cautionary.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking countries.