Cutting corners

The phrase Cutting corners is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of Cutting corners.

Meaning of "Cutting corners"

Meaning

The term "cutting corners" means to take shortcuts or cheat in order to save time or money, usually in a way that detracts from the quality or integrity of the final product. It is used to refer to shortcuts that are not necessarily illegal, but are morally questionable.

Etymology

The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States during the 19th century. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is likely derived from the architectural term "cutting a corner" which referred to a method used to create a curve when constructing an archway. The phrase is used in a much broader sense today, and is used to refer to anyone who takes shortcuts in order to gain an advantage while sacrificing quality.

Usage

The phrase "cutting corners" is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to any method of taking shortcuts, or any shortcut itself. It can be used in either a positive or negative context depending on the context. It can be used to refer to taking a shortcut in a project in order to save time, or it can be used to refer to someone cheating in order to get ahead. It is also often seen in political discussions, when referring to a policy that sacrifices quality in order to save money.

Example Sentences

• "John is always cutting corners when it comes to his projects - he never takes the time to do things properly."
• "The company's policy on safety is so lax - they are cutting corners every chance they get."
• "I don't want to cut corners, but if I can get the project done in half the time by taking a few shortcuts, then I'm going to do it."

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.