cut corners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cut corners' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to someone performing a task, project, or undertaking in an incomplete or lazy manner in order to save time; for example, "Rather than taking the time to properly complete the task, he chose to cut corners and finished it in half the time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may cut corners.

The New York Times

You can't cut corners".

The New York Times

I cut corners.

The Guardian - Books

He cut corners.

The New York Times - Magazine

I cut corners accordingly.

The New York Times - Travel

Did they cut corners?

The New York Times

"It doesn't cut corners.

The New York Times

They don't cut corners.

The Guardian - Music

I no longer cut corners.

The New Yorker

And never, ever cut corners.

The New Yorker

* Cut corners wherever you can.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the potential negative consequences of saving time and money at the expense of quality, use the phrase "cut corners". This phrase is particularly effective when the compromise could lead to ethical or safety issues.

Common error

Don't just focus on short-term gains. Cutting corners often leads to greater expenses and problems down the road. Consider the long-term consequences of sacrificing quality for immediate savings.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "cut corners" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of reducing effort, resources, or quality in order to save time or money. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut corners" is a common and grammatically sound idiom that describes the act of compromising quality or standards to save time or money. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood in various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, suggesting its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it often carries a negative connotation, implying that the compromise may have undesirable consequences. When writing, consider the long-term implications before suggesting to "cut corners", as the initial savings might lead to larger problems later on. Remember that alternatives like "take shortcuts" or "skimp on quality" may provide a more nuanced expression depending on your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take shortcuts

This alternative directly implies finding easier or quicker ways to do something, potentially sacrificing quality.

skimp on quality

This highlights the reduction in the standard of the product or service.

sacrifice thoroughness

Directly states that the detailed and comprehensive nature of the work is being compromised.

economize excessively

Focuses on extreme cost-saving measures that might compromise the outcome.

lower standards

This refers to accepting a less rigorous level of performance or quality.

reduce expenditure

Places more emphasis on the financial aspect of compromising on quality or thoroughness.

do a half-assed job

Implies a lack of effort and commitment, resulting in poor quality work.

fail to maintain standards

Highlights the concept of omitting to uphold a required or agreed level of quality or care.

cheap out

This suggests choosing the least expensive option, often at the expense of quality.

act negligently

This suggests failing to take reasonable care, possibly resulting in harm or damage.

FAQs

How to use "cut corners" in a sentence?

You can use "cut corners" to describe actions that compromise quality for the sake of efficiency, such as: "The company was accused of cutting corners to increase profits", or "He cut corners on the project, resulting in a subpar final product".

What can I say instead of "cut corners"?

You can use alternatives like "take shortcuts", "skimp on quality", or "economize excessively" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cut corners" or "cutting corners"?

"Cut corners" is the base form of the idiom, while "cutting corners" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses. For example, "They cut corners" (simple past) vs. "They are cutting corners" (present continuous).

What's the difference between "cut corners" and "act negligently"?

"Cut corners" implies intentionally reducing effort or quality to save time or money, while "act negligently" suggests a failure to exercise reasonable care, potentially leading to harm or damage. Cutting corners is more about intentional compromise, while acting negligently is about carelessness.