Say what?

Last night I was installing hinges. The hinges are solid brass with matching screws. They look good. Problem is the screws are too long and will poke through if tightened.
So what did I do? I wasn't thinking too well, I thought I would buy shorter screws. Problem solved. Now for the "say what" part. I call to order the screws and the guy says to me, why not cut the ones I have shorter. Good point. Tonight I start again.