A short cut is often a wrong cut.
A short cut is often a wrong cut.
Meaning in plain English
A shortcut often becoming a wrong turn contrasts reduced effort with an unsuccessful route. The saying asks whether omitted steps were necessary.
Example
Someone removes a redundant step but retains a check that catches important errors.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The word often is a caution, not proof that every efficient method is bad. A useful application checks which steps protect quality and which can reasonably be simplified. The image is not a route-safety rule and should not replace evidence about the particular method.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish useful efficiency from omitted essentials.
Keep in mind
No universal failure of shortcuts or physical route guidance is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Denmark · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 745; PDF page 68; collection label: Denmark
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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