THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Cut corners
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often by sacrificing quality.
Usage note: keep in mind
Cutting corners suggests leaving out necessary steps to save time, money or effort. It usually expresses criticism because quality or care suffers. Compare finding an efficient method: efficiency can preserve standards, whereas cutting corners suggests compromising them.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The builder cut corners and now the roof is leaking!
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The builder ________ and now the roof is leaking!
Show the answer
Cut corners — To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often by sacrificing quality.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Cut corners” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often by sacrificing quality.
Compare: The builder cut corners and now the roof is leaking!
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The contractor cut corners by skipping the final inspection.
- We can simplify the form without cutting corners on checking the information.
Check your understanding
A designer removes an unnecessary duplicate step but still completes every required check. Is cutting corners the best description?
Check your answer
No. That sounds like improving efficiency. Cutting corners would fit skipping a necessary check and compromising the work.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where cut corners fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.