Cutting corners

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. Cutting corners meaning, in what situations is it used?

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 meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.