cut corners
To do something in the easiest or cheapest way
शाब्दिक अर्थ: To move across a corner instead of following the path around it.
Use this to describe someone choosing a cheap, fast, but low-quality way to finish a task.
15 सेकंड में
- Doing something poorly to save time or money.
- Implies the final result is lower quality.
- Often used as a criticism or a warning.
मतलब
When you 'cut corners,' you skip steps or use cheaper materials to finish a task faster or save money. It usually implies that the final result is lower quality or even dangerous.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Complaining about home repairs
The contractor cut corners on the wiring, and now the lights flicker.
The contractor cut corners on the wiring, and now the lights flicker.
Discussing a project at work
We have a tight deadline, but we cannot afford to cut corners on safety.
We have a tight deadline, but we cannot afford to cut corners on safety.
Texting a friend about a recipe
I tried to cut corners by using canned veggies, but the soup tasted bland.
I tried to cut corners by using canned veggies, but the soup tasted bland.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase gained popularity in the late 19th century. It reflects the industrial revolution's tension between mass production and craftsmanship. In American business culture, it is often used as a warning against prioritizing short-term profits over long-term safety.
It's an Insult
Be careful! Telling someone they 'cut corners' is like calling them lazy or dishonest. Only use it with people you know well or when you are prepared for a conflict.
The 'Shortcut' Difference
In English, a 'shortcut' can be good (smart and fast), but 'cutting corners' is almost always bad (lazy and risky). Use 'shortcut' if you want to be positive!
15 सेकंड में
- Doing something poorly to save time or money.
- Implies the final result is lower quality.
- Often used as a criticism or a warning.
What It Means
Imagine walking around a square park. Instead of following the sidewalk, you walk across the grass. You saved time, but you might have ruined the lawn. In life, cut corners means doing a job poorly to save effort. It is about choosing the easy way over the right way. Usually, it has a negative feeling. It suggests someone was lazy or cheap.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone is cutting corners or cut corners in the past. It often describes construction, cooking, or business projects. If your new phone breaks in a week, the company probably cut corners during manufacturing. Use it when you see a result that looks a bit 'shady' or unfinished.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing a project that failed because of laziness. It is great for office meetings about budget cuts. You can use it when complaining about a bad meal at a restaurant. It works well when giving advice to a friend. For example, 'Don't cut corners on your taxes!' It is perfect for describing a 'quick fix' that didn't actually fix anything.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for genuine efficiency. If someone finds a brilliant, high-quality shortcut, that is not cutting corners. Avoid using it as a compliment. If you tell your boss they cut corners, they will think you are insulting their work. It implies a lack of integrity. Don't use it for hobbies where the 'long way' is the whole point.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from old horse-and-carriage days. Drivers would take tight turns around corners to save time. This was dangerous because the carriage could flip over. Today, it reflects the Western obsession with speed versus quality. In many cultures, doing things 'the right way' is a matter of pride. Calling someone out for cutting corners is a serious critique of their character.
Common Variations
You might hear people say take shortcuts. This is very similar but slightly less negative. Another variation is pinch pennies, which focuses only on the money side. Sometimes people say do a hack job. That is much more informal and aggressive. If you hear skimping on, it means cutting corners specifically with materials or ingredients.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase is neutral in formality. It is widely used in business to criticize poor quality control, but it is equally common at home when talking about chores or cooking.
It's an Insult
Be careful! Telling someone they 'cut corners' is like calling them lazy or dishonest. Only use it with people you know well or when you are prepared for a conflict.
The 'Shortcut' Difference
In English, a 'shortcut' can be good (smart and fast), but 'cutting corners' is almost always bad (lazy and risky). Use 'shortcut' if you want to be positive!
Grammar Hack
You can use it as a gerund (noun). For example: 'Cutting corners will only lead to trouble later.' This is a very common way to start a warning.
उदाहरण
6The contractor cut corners on the wiring, and now the lights flicker.
The contractor cut corners on the wiring, and now the lights flicker.
Focuses on the negative physical result of the action.
We have a tight deadline, but we cannot afford to cut corners on safety.
We have a tight deadline, but we cannot afford to cut corners on safety.
Used as a professional warning about standards.
I tried to cut corners by using canned veggies, but the soup tasted bland.
I tried to cut corners by using canned veggies, but the soup tasted bland.
Admitting to a personal mistake in a lighthearted way.
This 'luxury' chair is made of cardboard; they really cut corners here!
This 'luxury' chair is made of cardboard; they really cut corners here!
Using irony to point out poor quality.
You can't cut corners when it comes to building trust.
You can't cut corners when it comes to building trust.
Applying a physical idiom to an abstract emotional concept.
The previous management team frequently cut corners to meet quarterly targets.
The previous management team frequently cut corners to meet quarterly targets.
Formal critique of past behavior.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
If you ___ corners on your workout, you won't see any results.
The standard idiom is always `cut corners`.
Identify the meaning in this context.
The baker cut corners by using margarine instead of butter. The cake was: ___
Cutting corners implies a drop in quality, so the cake would likely be disappointing.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Cut Corners'
Talking to friends about a bad pizza.
This place really cut corners on the cheese.
Standard daily use in most situations.
Don't cut corners on your homework.
Business reports or news articles.
The company was accused of cutting corners on environmental regulations.
When to say 'Cut Corners'
Construction
Using cheap wood for a house.
Cooking
Skipping the marinating time.
Studying
Only reading the book summary.
Business
Reducing customer support staff.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, about 95% of the time. It implies that the quality was sacrificed. If you do something fast but still do it perfectly, you didn't cut corners.
You usually use it for the action or the project, like he cut corners on the report. You wouldn't say he is a cut corner.
A common one is take the easy way out. Another is skimp on something if you are talking about materials.
Only if you are saying you *don't* do it! For example: 'I never cut corners when it comes to data accuracy.'
No, it can apply to time, effort, or even moral standards. If you skip a warm-up before running, you are cutting corners on your health.
The phrase is used in both American and British English. It is understood globally by English speakers.
Usually, the idiom is plural: cut corners. If you say cut the corner, people might think you are literally talking about driving a car around a bend.
You could say doing it by the book or being thorough. These mean following every single step correctly.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use in newspapers, business meetings, and casual talk.
It comes from the idea of a path. If you stay on the path, you go around the corner. If you 'cut' across the corner, you leave the safe path to save time.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Take a shortcut
To find a quicker way to do something (can be positive or negative).
By the book
Following all the rules and steps exactly.
Quick and dirty
Doing something fast and without concern for finish or detail.
Pinch pennies
To be very careful with money, often to a fault.
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