我们在走路时，比起走直角，沿着两点之间最短的距离走更加省时。英语表达“to cut corners 切断角落”的实际含义就是“为了省时间或金钱贪便宜、走捷径；偷工减料”。这个说法带有贬义，使用时需要注意。

例句

The builders tried to cut corners by using cheaper material.

这些建筑工人想节约成本，偷工减料。

Parents were furious when they found out the council had cut corners on school meals.

家长们发现地方政府在学校伙食开销方面缩减开支、贪便宜，为此他们非常生气。

Hospitals shouldn't cut corners when it comes to patient care - that would be awful!

医院在病人护理工作上不应该贪图便宜、走捷径，这样做非常恶劣！