cut corners
idiomBand 8informal
UKkʌt ˈkɔːnəz
USkʌt ˈkɔːrnərz
To do something in the cheapest or easiest way, often sacrificing quality.

They cut corners on safety to save money.
You can't cut corners with customer service.
Remember it
Imagine cutting across a corner to save distance: cutting corners saves effort but may reduce quality.
Goes with
Similar and opposite
- Similar
- take shortcutsskimp
- Opposite
- do things properly
Check yourself
1 of 4
Which picture shows cut corners?