Finding a shortcut can represent the idea of having an advantage or making a process easier somehow in your life. Someone taking an unethical shortcut (cheating, cutting in line, lying to get out of something, etc.) can represent the idea of dishonesty, trying to gain false power, taking unfair advantage, or not playing by the rules. This can mean: You feel taken advantage of somehow in real life You are reacting to what you perceive as a power play You resent someone you feel is or has been trying to control you (possibly an authority figure) Dreaming that you are taking a dishonest shortcut can mean that you honestly don’t want to do the work or spend the time, you are not interested in something you have to do, or you dread doing something.