short cut

figurative; implies that hard work is necessary and there is no easy way

a quicker method for achieving a goal

a quicker path over a surface or area (e.g., a field)

a quicker path passing inside something (e.g., the woods)

to use a more direct or quicker route

to discover a quicker route

to be aware of a quicker route

often figurative; to offer a quicker method

to utilize something as a quicker route

to function as a quicker route