Definition of "shortcut" []

• A more direct route than the customary one. (noun)
• A means of saving time or effort. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But Ronnie wanted to take what she called a shortcut, which was really more of a long cut past the bigger houses, the ones that sat back on large green lawns with little yellow signs warning dogs and children to stay away because of the chemicals."
• "I don't own a spotting scope so this "shortcut" is invaluable in saving time and ammunition to reach that final objective."
• "I am also not sure that permitting this 'shortcut' is in any of our best interest."