Cut corners Meaning in English
expression
ˈkət/ /ˈkɔɹnɝz
KUT KOR-nerz
kˈʌt/ /kˈɔːnəz
KUT KAW-nuhz
Definition
To do something quickly and carelessly, often by skipping important steps to save time or money.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression; often used negatively when someone does not maintain quality. Common with work, building, or projects. Not about being efficient, but about skipping necessary steps.
Spanish: tomar atajos - hacer las cosas de cualquier maneraPortuguese (BR): fazer algo de qualquer jeito - economizar no esforçoPortuguese (PT): fazer algo à pressa - poupar nos esforçosChinese (Simplified): 偷工减料 - 走捷径Chinese (Traditional): 偷工減料 - 走捷徑Hindi: शॉर्टकट लेना - काम में लापरवाही करनाArabic: تجاوز القواعد - تقليل الجهدBengali: শর্টকাট নেওয়া - কাজ ফাঁকি দেওয়াRussian: халтурить - делать спустя рукава - идти по лёгкому путиJapanese: 手を抜く - 手抜きをするVietnamese: làm qua loa - làm ẩuKorean: 대충하다 - 요령을 피우다Turkish: işi savsaklamak - kestirme yollara başvurmakUrdu: شارٹ کٹ لینا - کام میں کوتاہی کرناIndonesian: jalan pintas - asal-asalan
Example Sentences
If you cut corners, the work won't be good.
basic
We can't cut corners when building a house.
basic
He lost his job because he tried to cut corners.
basic
Don't cut corners just to save a few dollars.
natural
The repairs didn't last long because the workers cut corners.
natural
You can spot when someone tries to cut corners—the results look sloppy.
natural