A shortcut, perhaps, is a route that is shorter than the usual one. The term can be represented by three different crossword solutions: DIAGONAL (8 letters), Sidestreet (10 letters), and Diagonalline (12 letters). DIAGONAL is a line that connects two opposite corners of a square or rectangle. Sidestreet is a minor road that branches off from a main street. Diagonalline is a line that runs diagonally across a surface.