short cut
طريق مختصر
Literalmente: A path that is short
Use `short cut` to describe a faster path or a clever, time-saving method for any task.
En 15 segundos
- A faster route or method to complete a goal.
- Commonly used for driving, tasks, and computer commands.
- Can be positive (efficient) or negative (lazy) depending on context.
Significado
A 'short cut' is a quicker way to get somewhere or a faster method to finish a task by skipping unnecessary steps.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Driving to a party
I know a short cut through the backstreets to avoid the highway traffic.
I know a short cut through the backstreets to avoid the highway traffic.
Working on a spreadsheet
Learning these Excel short cuts will save you hours of work every week.
Learning these Excel short cuts will save you hours of work every week.
Cooking dinner
Using pre-cut vegetables is a great short cut when you're in a rush.
Using pre-cut vegetables is a great short cut when you're in a rush.
Contexto cultural
The phrase originates from physical navigation, specifically paths that 'cut' across a curve in a road. In modern culture, it reflects the 'life-hack' obsession where finding a faster way is seen as a sign of intelligence and resourcefulness.
Keyboard Magic
In English, 'shortcut' (one word) is almost always used for computer keys, while 'short cut' (two words) is for paths, though people use them interchangeably.
The Quality Trap
If your boss asks 'Did you take a short cut?', they might be accusing you of being lazy. Be ready to explain that it was an 'efficiency'!
En 15 segundos
- A faster route or method to complete a goal.
- Commonly used for driving, tasks, and computer commands.
- Can be positive (efficient) or negative (lazy) depending on context.
What It Means
Think of a short cut as your secret weapon for saving time. It started as a physical path—like walking through a park instead of around it. Today, we use it for everything. It means finding a clever way to do something faster. It is about efficiency and being smart with your energy.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun. You 'take' a short cut. You can also use it for digital things. Your computer has keyboard shortcuts to save clicks. It is very versatile. Just remember, it usually implies you are skipping the 'standard' or 'long' way.
When To Use It
Use it when driving and avoiding traffic. Use it at work when you find a faster way to write a report. It is perfect for sharing tips with friends. 'Hey, I found a short cut to the stadium!' It feels helpful and proactive. It shows you know a secret or a better method.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful in serious professional settings. If you say you took a short cut on a safety project, people might get worried. In that context, it can sound lazy or dangerous. It implies you might have missed important details. Don't use it if the 'long way' is required for quality.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in the US and UK, loves efficiency. We are obsessed with 'hacks' and saving time. The short cut is the original life hack. It represents the 'work smarter, not harder' mentality. It became popular during the industrial age when speed started to equal money.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 'cutting corners'. Be careful! That is the negative version. Short cut is usually good or neutral. 'Cutting corners' means doing a bad job to save time. Also, look out for keyboard shortcuts in tech. They are the same concept but for your fingers!
Notas de uso
Generally neutral. Use 'take a short cut' for physical routes and 'keyboard shortcut' for technology. Avoid using it in safety-critical contexts where it might imply negligence.
Keyboard Magic
In English, 'shortcut' (one word) is almost always used for computer keys, while 'short cut' (two words) is for paths, though people use them interchangeably.
The Quality Trap
If your boss asks 'Did you take a short cut?', they might be accusing you of being lazy. Be ready to explain that it was an 'efficiency'!
The Scenic Route
The opposite of a 'short cut' is the 'scenic route'. Use this when you want to take the long, beautiful way instead of rushing.
Ejemplos
6I know a short cut through the backstreets to avoid the highway traffic.
I know a short cut through the backstreets to avoid the highway traffic.
Refers to a physical path or road.
Learning these Excel short cuts will save you hours of work every week.
Learning these Excel short cuts will save you hours of work every week.
Refers to digital efficiency or keyboard commands.
Using pre-cut vegetables is a great short cut when you're in a rush.
Using pre-cut vegetables is a great short cut when you're in a rush.
Refers to a simplified process or method.
Did you find the short cut to level 5 yet? It's hidden behind the waterfall!
Did you find the short cut to level 5 yet? It's hidden behind the waterfall!
Common in gaming to describe hidden fast paths.
My favorite short cut is just not doing the task at all!
My favorite short cut is just not doing the task at all!
Humorous use implying laziness.
I wish there was a short cut to healing a broken heart.
I wish there was a short cut to healing a broken heart.
Metaphorical use for an emotional process.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
If we take the ___ across the park, we will arrive ten minutes early.
A 'short cut' is a noun phrase used for a quicker route.
Identify the context of the phrase.
He tried to take a ___ on his taxes and ended up getting audited.
In this context, it implies skipping legal steps to save time or money.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Short Cut'
Used with friends for directions or life hacks.
I found a short cut to the mall!
Standard use in office or school settings.
Use this short cut to finish the report.
Can sound slightly negative if it implies low quality.
We must not take short cuts in safety testing.
Common Places to use 'Short Cut'
GPS/Driving
Taking a side road.
Computing
Ctrl+C for copying.
Cooking
Using a microwave.
Education
Using a summary instead of the book.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasBoth are common! Usually, shortcut as one word is used for computers, while short cut as two words is for physical paths.
Not always. While it usually means being smart, in professional fields like medicine or engineering, it can mean skipping safety steps.
Not really. You 'take' a short cut. You wouldn't say 'I short-cutted the project'; instead, say 'I took a short cut on the project'.
A short cut is usually a path or method, while a hack is a clever, non-obvious solution to a problem.
No, it is usually seen as helpful. For example, I can show you a short cut to the station is a very kind offer.
Use it to describe efficiency. For example, We have identified a short cut in the processing phase that will save three days.
Don't confuse them! Cut short means to end something earlier than planned, like The meeting was cut short by the fire alarm.
Not exactly, but people might use the word cheat in a playful way, like a cheat code in a game.
No, the phrase applies to paths, methods, or digital commands, not people.
It is equally common in both! Everyone loves saving time regardless of their dialect.
Frases relacionadas
Cut corners
To do something poorly or illegally to save time or money.
Beeline
To go directly toward something in the straightest, fastest way.
The scenic route
The longer, more beautiful way to travel.
Life hack
A clever tip or technique for doing a common task more efficiently.
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