Don't cut corners when you build a house.
cut corners
idiom B1
To do a less-than-thorough or incomplete job; to do something poorly; to take inappropriate shortcuts.
Origin
disputed origin19th-century; from literally taking a shortcut by rounding a corner tightly rather than following the full path, as in riding or driving.
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.
- 01
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 02
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 03
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 04
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 05
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.
- 06
cut a swath
Alternative form of cut a wide swath.
- 07
cut a wide swath
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
- 08
cut about
To go around (move from person to person).