Idioms containing SHORT
TOP words in categories
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHORT END OF THE STICK
to suffer the bad effects of a situation; to get (give someone) the unfair or less advantageous part of a deal or arrangement
1. Martha agreed to babysit the children while Henry went shopping. Martha had much more work to do than Henry did. She got the short end of the stick.
2. Look out for your interests and speak up if you think you’re getting an unfair deal. Don’t let them give you the short end of the stick.
2. Look out for your interests and speak up if you think you’re getting an unfair deal. Don’t let them give you the short end of the stick.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE/SMTH.) SHORT SHRIFT
to make quick work of smth. or to give little time to someone
1. The secretary preferred working with people directly. She was an excellent secretary but she gave short shrift to typing up notes and preparing reports.
2. I haven’t much time for incompetent fools like Sam. I gave him short shrift when he came in here asking for a pay raise.
2. I haven’t much time for incompetent fools like Sam. I gave him short shrift when he came in here asking for a pay raise.
LONG AND SHORT OF IT, THE
the outcome; the point
1. I don’t have a lot of time, so please don’t go into all the details of the story. What’s the long and short of it?
2. The assistant manager told the boss that he felt unappreciated and underpaid, that nobody respected him, and that nobody listened to his ideas. Finally he said, “The long and short of it is that I’m going to find another job. ”
2. The assistant manager told the boss that he felt unappreciated and underpaid, that nobody respected him, and that nobody listened to his ideas. Finally he said, “The long and short of it is that I’m going to find another job. ”
MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT
to summarize; to tell only the main points
1. To make a long story short , I think your idea is terrible.
2. He tried to make a long story short , but she wouldn’t let him finish.
2. He tried to make a long story short , but she wouldn’t let him finish.
PULL SOMEONE UP SHORT
to surprise someone, often so that that person stops what they are doing
1. Seeing her picture in the paper pulled me up short.
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