"Cut corners" is an idiom that can describe someone who takes shortcuts or finds ways to do something more quickly or easily, often at the expense of quality or thoroughness. In addition, it can also be used to criticize someone who acts unorthodoxly, illegally, or unethically to save time, money, or effort.

In short:

“Cut corners” is an idiom that means to do something badly or cheaply.

What Does "Cut Corners" Mean?

The idiom "cut corners" can have different meanings depending on how it is used and said. However, the most notable is that it describes doing something poorly or cheaply by skipping some steps or using inferior materials or methods.

For example:

“He was trying to finish the project ahead of schedule, so he started "cutting corners" and ended up with a low result.”

Where Does "Cut Corners" Come From?

The idiom "cut corners" is believed to have originated from driving in the 1800s. It is related to rounding a corner instead of taking the proper route. This shortened the distance from one end to another. As a consequence, it also increased the risk of accidents and collisions.

The idiom became popular in the 1930s in America as a metaphor for doing something cheaply and easily.

Historical Example

The earliest recorded use of “cut corners” without a direct reference to driving was in a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1934:

"He had been drinking gin at intervals all day and had gone over his limit before coming into dinner. Cut corners."

10 Examples of "Cut Corners" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use "cut corners" in different sentences:

• She always cuts corners when she cooks, so her food is bland.
• He thought he was a smart cookie and cut corners on his taxes. As a result, he got audited by the IRS.
• They cut corners on safety measures and caused a significant accident. Now they bear the burden of their actions.
• She never cuts corners on her work; she always does her best. Rest assured that the project will be successful.
• He cut corners on his thesis and copied it from a friend. That's why he got expelled from the university.
• They cut corners on their wedding and eloped instead. No wonder the event failed to no avail.
• She cut corners on her diet and ate junk food. Good thing that she lay low with the habit when she got sick.
• He cut corners on his car maintenance and had a flat tire. Talk about bad luck.
• They cut corners on their research and published a flawed paper. Quite frankly, they should have done better.
• She cut corners on her shopping and bought cheap clothes. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Examples of "Cut Corners" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of the idiom "cut corners" in pop culture:

• "Cut Corners" is the title of a song by the American rock band The Dandy Warhols, released in 2012 as part of their album "This Machine."
• "Cutting Corners" is a comedy film that was released in 2016. The film is about friends who try to cut corners on their vacation plans and end up in hilarious situations.
• "Cutting Corners" is an episode of the British reality show "The Apprentice" aired in 2009. The episode is about candidates who try to cut corners on creating and selling beauty products.

Other Ways to Say "Cut Corners"

Here are some synonyms for "cut corners":

• Skimp
• Scrimp
• Cheat
• Slack off
• Take shortcuts
• Do a rush job
• Do something half-heartedly
• Do something shoddily
• Sacrifice quality
• Compromise standards

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Cut Corners"

Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom "cut corners":

• What is the origin of "cut corners"?

It is believed to have originated from driving in the 1800s. It is related to rounding a corner instead of taking the proper route.

• Is it one word or two?

It is usually written as two words: cut corners. However, it can also be written as one word: cutcorners, especially when used as an adjective or a noun.

Example: He was accused of being a cutcorner lawyer.

• How do you use "cut corners" in a question?

You can use it in a question to ask someone if they have done something badly or cheaply or to accuse them of doing so.

Example: Did you "cut corners" on your report?

• How do you use "cut corners" with other words?

You can use it with other words to modify or specify the meaning of “cut corners.”

Example: He always "cuts corners" on his homework. What can I say? He's a lazy lad.

• How do you use "cut corners" with commas?

You can use commas before or after “cut corners” to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

Example: He was in a hurry, so he "cut corners" on his presentation.

• How do you use "cut corners" with a colon?

You can use a colon after “cut corners” to introduce a list or an explanation.

Example: She "cut corners" on her project: she copied from the internet, she used cheap materials, and she didn’t proofread her work.

• How do you use "cut corners" with an ellipsis?

You can use an ellipsis after “cut corners” to indicate that you are leaving something unsaid or unfinished.

Example: He "cut corners" on his assignment… and he got caught.

• How do you use "cut corners" with a dash?
  

You can use a dash after “cut corners” to interrupt yourself or change the subject.

Example: He "cut corners" on his test - but he still failed.

• How do you use "cut corners" sarcastically?

You can use it sarcastically to mock someone or something or to express disbelief or contempt.

Example: He "cut corners" on his surgery - what a great doctor!

• How do you use "cut corners" politely?

You can use it politely to show respect or consideration for someone or something.

Example: He "cut corners" on his budget - but he still managed to donate to charity.

Final Thoughts About "Cut Corners"

"Cut corners" is a versatile and helpful idiom that can convey different meanings and emotions depending on the context and tone. It can be used to:

• Describe someone who does something poorly or cheaply by skipping some steps or using inferior materials or methods.
• Describe someone who takes shortcuts or finds ways to do something more quickly or easily, often at the risk of compromising quality or thoroughness.
• Criticize someone who acts unorthodox, illegal, or unethical to save time, money, or effort.

We hope this article has helped you understand and appreciate the idiom "cut corners" better. Remember, cutting corners may seem tempting, but it can also backfire.