# cut corners

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-corners
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do a less-than-thorough or incomplete job; to do something poorly; to take inappropriate shortcuts.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

19th-century; from literally taking a shortcut by rounding a corner tightly rather than following the full path, as in riding or driving. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.