cut corners

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

To do something cheaply or quickly by skipping important steps, often lowering quality.

Why this phrase?

From taking a shortcut by going across a corner rather than around it.

Example

“The builders cut corners, and now the roof leaks.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

bang for your buck Informal · CEFR B1

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

kill two birds with one stone Neutral · CEFR B1

To accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action.

cut to the chase Informal · CEFR B2

To get to the important point without wasting time.

reinvent the wheel Neutral · CEFR B2

to waste time recreating something that already exists and works well

the cream of the crop Neutral · CEFR B2

The very best people or things in a group.

bog standard Informal · CEFR C1

completely ordinary, with no special features (British, informal)

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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