shortcut
quicker or easier method
A way to do something faster and more easily by not doing all the normal steps.
a shortcut to [a result]
- There are no shortcuts to learning a language well.
- The new software offers a useful shortcut for generating monthly reports.
- Some companies look for shortcuts instead of improving their products properly.
- He tried a shortcut to weight loss that turned out to be unhealthy.
- This checklist is a helpful shortcut to understand the main legal issues.
- There is no shortcut to speaking English fluently.
- She found a shortcut to finish her homework faster.
- They want a shortcut to making more money.
- This app is a shortcut for ordering food online.
- I am not looking for a shortcut; I want to learn it well.
shorter route between places
A way between two places that is faster or shorter than the normal way.
a shortcut through [a place]
- We took a shortcut through the park to avoid traffic.
- He showed me a handy shortcut that cuts ten minutes off the walk.
- There’s a little shortcut behind the shops if you’re in a hurry.
- Locals know all the shortcuts around the city center.
- The shortcut over the hill is steep but much faster.
- We took a shortcut through a small street.
- This road is a shortcut to the beach.
- She knows a shortcut to the train station.
- There is a shortcut behind the supermarket.
- Let’s not take a shortcut; I want to see the town.
icon that opens another file
On a computer, a small icon that you click to open another file, folder, or program quickly.
a shortcut to [a file or program]
- I put a shortcut to the project folder on my desktop.
- Right-click the program and choose "Create shortcut."
- You can delete the shortcut without removing the original file.
- The installer automatically adds a shortcut to the Start menu.
- He organized his desktop shortcuts into folders.
- I have a shortcut for email on my desktop.
- Please create a shortcut to this folder.
- You can click this shortcut to open the game.
- I put a shortcut to the website on my home screen.
- She deleted the shortcut by mistake, not the real file.
keyboard key combination shortcut
On a computer, two or more keys you press together to do something quickly, like copy or save.
a keyboard shortcut for [a command]
- The keyboard shortcut for copy is Ctrl+C.
- Learning a few shortcuts can save you a lot of time.
- You can customize the shortcut keys in the settings.
- This program doesn’t support a shortcut for that function.
- He accidentally hit the wrong shortcut and closed the window.
- I use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S to save my work.
- Do you know the shortcut for paste?
- This app lets you change the shortcut keys.
- She learned some shortcuts to work faster.
- Press this shortcut to open a new tab.
make a process shorter
To try to do something faster by not doing all the normal steps.
to shortcut [a process or step]
- The team tried to shortcut the approval process and got into trouble.
- You can’t shortcut safety checks just to save time.
- Management is always looking for ways to shortcut routine paperwork.
- They attempted to shortcut the system by using fake documents.
- He was accused of shortcutting the normal hiring procedure.
- They tried to shortcut the long process.
- You should not shortcut the safety rules.
- He wants to shortcut the testing stage.
- The company tried to shortcut the system.
- Do not shortcut important checks.
create a shortcut
1make a new shortcut icon
To make a new shortcut icon or file that opens another file, folder, or program.
- Right-click the folder and select "Create shortcut."
- The setup wizard will create a shortcut on your desktop.
- You can create a shortcut to this document for quick access.
desktop shortcut
1desktop icon to open item
An icon on your computer desktop that you can click to open a program, file, or folder quickly.
- I made a desktop shortcut for my favorite game.
- Just click the desktop shortcut to start the application.
- You can delete the desktop shortcut if you don’t need it.
no shortcuts
1no easy or fast way
Used to say that you must do all the normal hard work and cannot do something quickly or easily.
- When it comes to getting fit, there are no shortcuts.
- He tells his students that there are no shortcuts to good writing.
- Building trust takes time; there are simply no shortcuts.
shortcut to success
1easier way to succeed
A way to become successful faster and with less work than normal, often used to say this is not really possible.
- Many people look for a shortcut to success instead of working steadily.
- There is no shortcut to success in this field; experience matters.
- Books that promise a shortcut to success are always popular.
take a shortcut
1use a faster route or method
To go a shorter way, or do something in a faster and easier way than normal, usually to save time.
- We took a shortcut through a side street to avoid the traffic.
- If you take a shortcut with this assignment, the teacher will notice.
- Don’t take a shortcut on quality just to finish sooner.
use a shortcut
1choose a faster way
To choose a way that is faster or easier than the normal way, either in movement or in doing a task.
- We used a shortcut to get to the station on time.
- If you use a shortcut here, the results may not be accurate.
- She always tries to use a shortcut when filling out paperwork.
keyboard shortcut
1Key combo for computer command
Two or more keys you press together to do something quickly on a computer.
- Pressing Ctrl+C is the keyboard shortcut for copy.
- Learn a few keyboard shortcuts to work faster.
- She uses many keyboard shortcuts to work faster.
- The keyboard shortcut for paste is Ctrl+V.
- You can set a keyboard shortcut to open this tool.