Cheat sheet
Meaning: A concise reference guide or summary used for quick information, or a hidden note used for cheating on a test.
A cheat sheet has two meanings: literally, it's a hidden note a student uses to cheat on an exam. More commonly now, it's a legitimate quick-reference guide or summary — like a 'cheat sheet for Excel shortcuts.' The term has been reclaimed from its dishonest origins into something helpful.
Examples
- I made a cheat sheet with all the keyboard shortcuts for the new software. 我做了一张新软件键盘快捷键的速查表。Me hice una chuleta con todos los atajos de teclado del nuevo programa.新しいソフトのキーボードショートカットをまとめたチートシートを作ったよ。새 소프트웨어의 키보드 단축키를 정리한 치트시트를 만들었어.
- He got caught with a cheat sheet during the final exam. 他在期末考试时被发现带了小抄。Le pillaron con una chuleta durante el examen final.彼は期末試験中にカンニングペーパーを持っているのが見つかった。그는 기말시험 중에 커닝 페이퍼를 갖고 있다가 들켰어.
- Here's a cheat sheet for surviving your first week at the company. 这是一份帮你熬过入职第一周的速查表。Aquí tienes una guía rápida para sobrevivir a tu primera semana en la empresa.入社初週を乗り切るためのチートシートだよ。여기 회사 첫 주를 살아남기 위한 치트시트야.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: studying, reference, shortcuts
Tone: helpful, practical
✓ Do Say
- I made a cheat sheet for the new process.我为新流程做了一张速查表。Me hice una chuleta para el nuevo procedimiento.新しい手順のチートシートを作ったよ。새 프로세스에 대한 치트시트를 만들었어.
- Check the cheat sheet if you get stuck.遇到问题就看看速查表。Consulta la guía rápida si te atascas.困ったらチートシートを見て。막히면 치트시트를 확인해 봐.
✗ Don't Say
- Be careful with context — in academic settings, 'cheat sheet' still implies dishonesty在学术场合要注意——'cheat sheet'仍然暗含不诚实的意味Cuidado con el contexto: en entornos académicos, «cheat sheet» sigue implicando deshonestidad文脈に注意すること――学術的な場面では「cheat sheet」はまだ不正行為を暗示する맥락에 주의할 것 — 학교 환경에서 '치트시트'는 여전히 부정행위를 암시함
Origin & History
American student slang, originally referring to notes hidden for cheating on tests. By the late 20th century, the term was reclaimed to mean any quick-reference document, especially in tech and business.
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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