Visual Vocabulary - To Cut Corners

source: EnglishAnyone    2016年12月4日
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Today’s expression is “to cut corners.” This is a very common idiom meaning to do something badly to save time, effort or money.
Imagine you’re walking along a sidewalk surrounding a square park. If you’re told to walk around the entire park, you might be tempted to physically “cut the corners,” by walking off the sidewalk and on to the grassy area near the corners of the park to save a bit of time.
But if you were told to walk around the entire park to meet a certain distance requirement – like with a race – you would be cheating by cutting corners.
When you cut corners, as opposed to being more productive or efficient, you really just hurt yourself in the long run to save a bit of time, energy or money now.

# “To cut corners” is a phrase you can use in both professional and casual situations:
A: The company is cutting corners by using cheaper materials in their products.
B: I heard. I expect they’ll be receiving more customer service calls soon.

A: I cut corners by starting by business without a permit!
B: That’s a dumb idea! What do you think will happen when the government finds out?

A: My husband is trying to teach our daughter ballet, although he knows nothing about it.
B: I know you’re trying to save money, but this is cutting some serious corners with her education.

A: If you cut corners on your car repairs, your vehicle won’t last as long.
B: That’s why I’m sure to get the best service I can!