Question

Identify the meaning of the idiom or phrases given in capitals in the sentence: The University administration CUT CORNERS on safety, which caused many problems

• A. to do something in an efficient way
• B. to do something in the cheapest or quickest way by ignoring proper standards
• C. to do something secretly
• D. to do something extravagantly

Hint:

Pay attention to the cause-and-effect relationship in the sentence.
Since cutting corners caused ``many problems'', the idiom must refer to a negative shortcut that compromises standard procedures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify the idiom.
The idiom is "cut corners", used here to describe how the university administration compromised on safety.
Step 2: Understand its figurative meaning.
"Cut corners" means to do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way possible by skipping important steps or ignoring proper standards.
Step 3: Match the correct option.
Option (2) perfectly captures this meaning. Options (1), (3), and (4) suggesting efficiency, secrecy, or extravagance are all incorrect.
\[ \boxed{\text{to do something in the cheapest or quickest way by ignoring proper standards}} \]