Learn how to use the phrase "cut corners”.
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Episode Script:

“He must have cut some corners with this project!”

Welcome to “ESL with Josh” - a podcast that will help you to speak more like a native English speaker. In this episode, we will consider the phrase “cut corners” - what does it mean and how do we use it?

“Cutting corners” is an idiom, which means that this phrase has a meaning unrelated to the words found in it.
”Cutting corners” (as an idiom) does NOT mean using scissors to cut paper.
”Cutting corners” (as an idiom) does NOT have anything to do with corners.

“Cutting corners” DOES mean doing something quicker or cheaper than it should be done.

The phrase was first used in the 1800s to describe carriages turning quickly to save time, and “cutting off the corner”. This act was intended to save time but often resulted in negative consequences. The carriage wheel could hit the curb and cause the carriage to tip over and cause a big problem. The intent was to make the route shorter and arrive quicker, but it often proved that taking the longer, safer route was actually better, and often quicker in the end.

Today, “cutting corners” is used for any situation where someone uses the cheapest, quickest, or easiest way to accomplish something. This implies that the quality of the work will be lower than it would have if done properly. This idiom is used in both social situations as well as in the business world.

Here are a few examples:

• If you want to succeed in this life, you can’t cut corners. You have to put in the work.
• Our boss doesn’t deserve his position. The only reason he was promoted to that role is because he cut corners.
• With travel costs increasing, the concern is that airlines are cutting corners in order to make a profit.
• The company has had to start cutting corners by importing products that they used to produce locally.

Now it is time to take a quiz.
Which of the following sentences use the idiom correctly?

1. When it became known that the accountant was cutting corners, he was fired immediately.
2. This toy fell apart before I even touched it. They must have really sliced corners when they made these things.
3. Can you cut the corners of the sandwich off for me?
4. You should never cut corners when it comes to your health.

What do you think?
The correct sentences are numbers 1 and 4.

Now it’s time for the Joke of the Day
What do you call an expensive belt that is too small?
A huge waist (waste).

Thanks for listening!

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