short shrift
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A curt, dismissive, and unsympathetic treatment or rejection; a rapid disposal without consideration or ceremony. The term implies that something or someone is dealt with quickly and with little attention or respect.
Usage
- The phrase is almost always used with the verbs "give" or "get".
- To give someone/something short shrift means to dismiss or reject them quickly and without sympathy.
- To get short shrift means to receive such dismissive treatment.
Examples
- The manager gave short shrift to the employee's excuses for being late.
- Any proposals that exceed the budget will get short shrift from the finance committee.
- The controversial idea was given short shrift at the board meeting and was not discussed further.
Advanced Usage / Nuance
- The term often carries a critical tone, suggesting the dismissal was unfair, overly hasty, or lacked proper consideration.
- It can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe administrative, social, or personal rejections.
Word Origin and Historical Context
- Historical Meaning: The phrase originates from the practice of confession in the Christian church. "Shrift" referred to the confession and absolution given by a priest. A condemned prisoner who was "given short shrift" was allowed only a very brief time for confession before execution.
- Modern Meaning: This historical sense evolved into the current figurative meaning of a brusque and unsympathetic dismissal.
Synonyms
- Summary dismissal
- Brusque rejection
- Perfunctory treatment
- Quick brush-off
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To brush aside/off: To dismiss casually or without serious consideration.
- He brushed aside our concerns about the deadline.
- To give someone the cold shoulder: To deliberately ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.
- After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.
Noun
- a brief and unsympathetic rejection
- they made short shrift of my request