Built from cut, in the sense of taking a shorter path, and corners, the bends that can be crossed instead of followed fully. The physical shortcut became a picture of saving effort at the cost of proper work.
Built from cut, in the sense of taking a shorter path, and corners, the bends that can be crossed instead of followed fully. The physical shortcut became a picture of saving effort at the cost of proper work.
What does cut corners mean?
It means skipping important steps to save time, money, or effort, often at the expense of quality or safety.
Is cut corners usually negative?
Yes. It normally suggests that someone saved effort in a careless or improper way.
What is a synonym for cut corners?
Take shortcuts is the closest common synonym, while skimp often stresses spending too little.
Can someone cut corners without causing a problem?
Possibly, but the idiom usually warns that the skipped steps create a risk or lower the quality.
What is the opposite of cut corners?
To do a thorough job is a direct opposite because it means giving every necessary step proper care.