Take a short cut is an idiom that means to find a quicker or easier way to do something. The crossword solutions for this term are SNIP and NICK. SNIP is a verb meaning to cut off or remove a small piece from something, while NICK is a verb meaning to make a small cut or notch in something. Both of these words can be used to describe taking a short cut, as they imply a quick and easy way to accomplish a task.