Welcome to the whimsical world of clichés where words once teemed with depth but now slip by quickly, often at the expense of nuance. Today, let’s delve into a classic: “short shrift.” Let’s cut to the chase!
Definition
Short Shrift: To deal with or dismiss something quickly and without consideration.
Etymology:
- Comes from the days when confessing to a priest was virtually universal.
- “Shrift” meant both the confession and the penance or absolution given by the priest.
- Example noted in Shakespeare’s Richard III.
Related and Similar Terms
- Cut to the chase: To get to the point without wasting time.
- Brush-off: To dismiss someone or something hurriedly and rudely.
- Give the cold shoulder: Ignoring or showing indifference.
- Skim over: To not go into detail; to review superficially.
- Rush job: Something done in haste, often sacrificing quality.
Synonyms
- Brief treatment
- Dismissal
- Quick rejection
Antonyms
- Thorough consideration
- Detailed analysis
- In-depth review
Humor-filled Quotes
- “I’ve had more thoughtful dismissals from automated customer service bots!” 😂
Proverbs
- “Haste makes waste”: Rushing causes mistakes, urging thoroughness instead of giving something “short shrift”.
Literature and Entertainment
- Books 📚: One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson—a nod to brevity!
- Movies 🎥: Speed (1994)—an action film where time is always of the essence.
- Songs 🎵: I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles—short but to the point!
Intriguing Chapter Titles
- 🚶♂️ “Walk and Talk: Quick Conversations and Faster Exits”
- 🗣️ “Hit and Run: When Speech is Cheap but Swift”
- 🕰️ “In the Nick of Time: Timing That Can’t Waste a Second”
- 🌀 “Whirlwind Decisions: The Good and Bad of Quick Judgements”
- ✂️ “Cut to the Chase: Eliminate All the Fluff”
### Which phrase means to deal with something quickly?
- [x] Short shrift
- [ ] Long consideration
- [ ] Deep dive
- [ ] Endless debate
> **Explanation:** "Short shrift" means to handle or dismiss something swiftly, lacking thorough consideration.
### Which of these is not about speed?
- [ ] Rush job
- [ ] Skim over
- [x] In-depth analysis
- [ ] Cut to the chase
> **Explanation:** "In-depth analysis" involves thorough and detailed examination, contrasting with hasty actions.
### True or False: "Giving short shrift" has a religious origin.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! It’s rooted in the practice of brief confessions and quick absolutions given by priests.
In parting, remember that sometimes life demands quick decisions, but reflection often reveals the richest insights. Until our next exploration, stay witty and wisely choose when to give things a little more than “short shrift.”
— I. M. Briefbutbright
