take shortcuts

/teɪk ˈʃɔːtkʌts/
phrasal verb★Intermediate— find quicker but often less reliable methods
informal

To find or use quicker methods to achieve a goal, often by skipping steps or taking risks.

He took shortcuts in his research, leading to inaccurate results.

He used quicker but less thorough methods in his research, which resulted in errors.

Taking shortcuts in cooking can save time but may compromise flavor.

Using quicker methods in cooking can save time but might make the dish taste worse.

💡

This phrase often implies a trade-off between speed and quality or safety.

Collocations

take dangerous shortcutsuse methods that involve significant risktake ethical shortcutsuse questionable but not necessarily illegal methods

Related Phrases

cut cornersphrase
to reduce costs or effort by using lower-quality methods
cheat the systemphrase
to find a way to bypass rules or requirements

💡Pro Tip

Avoid negative connotations

Use 'take shortcuts' carefully, as it often implies a lack of thoroughness or integrity. In professional settings, consider alternatives like 'streamline' or 'optimize'.

⚡Gold Rule

Context matters

The phrase can be neutral or negative depending on the context. In some cases, taking shortcuts is necessary, but in others, it can lead to serious consequences.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'take' with the noun 'shortcuts,' which refers to a quicker route or method. The figurative use to describe skipping steps or taking risks is well-established in English.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in informal contexts to describe actions that prioritize speed over thoroughness or safety. It can have negative connotations when the shortcuts lead to poor outcomes.

Word Breakdown

take
to use or follow
verb
+
shortcuts
quicker or easier methods
noun
English Dictionary