cut corners
To do a less-than-thorough or incomplete job; to do something poorly; to take inappropriate shortcuts.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't cut corners when you build a house.”
“The builders cut corners to save money, and now the roof leaks.”
“The company cut corners on safety inspections to boost profits, a decision that later led to a costly public scandal.”
disputed origin
19th-century; from literally taking a shortcut by rounding a corner tightly rather than following the full path, as in riding or driving.
- 01
around the corner
Imminent; very soon.
- 02
box oneself into a corner
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
- 03
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 04
corner the market
To monopolize a resource or commodity, as with the intent of driving up prices.
- 05
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 06
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 07
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 08
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
Last updated August 10, 2026