The idiom "in short" means to say something briefly or concisely, usually as a summary or conclusion. It often introduces a more extended statement, the argument's main point, or the most crucial information.

In short:

• It means to summarize something or make a point.

What Does "In Short" Mean?

To put it briefly, the idiom "in short" means giving a concise summary or conclusion of a longer statement or argument. It is often used to introduce the main point or the most essential information. It can also express impatience or frustration when someone is talking too much or not getting to the end.

Where Does "In Short" Come From?

The idiom "in short" has been used in English since at least the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin phrase "in summa," which means "in total." It was translated into English as "in sum" or "in summe," which later became "in short." Many famous English writers and speakers used the idiom to summarize their points or arguments.

Historical Example

"In short, those who were happy in God themselves were for bringing all their friends to him in their arms."

 - A short history of the Methodists in the United States, 1810

10 Examples of "In Short" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

• Real talk: The movie was too long and, in short, quite dull.
• In short, the car broke down on our way to the beach. Kack.
• In short, the party was a great success, thanks to everyone's efforts.
• Oh, snap. He lost his wallet and, in short, had no money for the trip.
• She buckled down and studied hard for the test. In short, she aced it.
• In short, the weather forecast predicts heavy rain from dusk till dawn.
• In short, he decided to quit his job and start his own business as of late.
• In short, the restaurant had terrible service and cold food. No offense meant.
• What can I say? They argued for hours but, in short, couldn't resolve anything.
• She practiced diligently day in and day out. In short, she became a skilled pianist.

Examples of "In Short" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:

• In the movie The Matrix, Morpheus says to Neo: "The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work… when you go to church… or pay your taxes. The world has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth. In short, you are a slave, Neo."
• In Friends' TV show, Chandler tells Monica, "I love you more than sharks love blood." Monica replies: "I love you more than anything in this life and the next." Chandler says: "In short, I love you."
• In the iconic film "Forrest Gump," the titular character famously sums up his life by saying, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get. In short, that's all I have to say about that."
• In the hit TV series "Breaking Bad," Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, often uses the phrase "in short" to explain his complex methamphetamine business dealings to his partner, Jesse Pinkman.

Other Ways to Say "In Short"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom that you can use in different situations:

• In brief
• In essence
• To sum up
• In summary
• In a nutshell
• In conclusion
• In other words
• To put it simply

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "In Short"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "in short" mean?

The idiom "in short" means to say something briefly or concisely, usually as a summary or conclusion. It often introduces a more extended statement, the argument's main point, or the most crucial information.

• What is the origin of the phrase "in short"?

The idiom "in short" has been used in English since at least the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin phrase "in summa," which means "in total." It was translated into English as "in sum" or "in summe," which later became "in short."

• What is the difference between "in short" and "shortly"?

They have different meanings and uses. "In short" means to say something briefly or concisely, usually as a summary or conclusion. "Shortly" means soon or in a short time, generally indicating time or duration.

• Can I use "in short" in formal situations?
  

You can use "in short" in formal situations such as academic writing, business communication, or public speaking. However, you should be careful not to overuse it or rely on it too much. You should also ensure that your sentences are clear and coherent without using "in short."

• Can I use "in short" in informal situations?

You can use "in short" in informal situations such as casual conversations, personal messages, or social media posts. However, you should know that using "in short" too often or casually can sound rude or impatient. You should also consider using other expressions that are more suitable for informal situations, such as "basically," "long story short," or "to cut a long story short."

• What are some synonyms for "in short" in other languages?

Spanish: En resumen, en pocas palabras, en síntesis, en conclusión.
French: En bref, en quelques mots, en résumé, en conclusion.
German: Kurz gesagt, kurz und bündig, zusammenfassend, abschließend.

• What is the opposite of "in short"?

The opposite of "in short" would be a phrase like "in detail" or "to elaborate."

• Can I use "in short" to end a conversation or presentation?

Yes, you can use "in short" to conclude a conversation or presentation by summarizing the main points or takeaways.

• Are there any cultural differences in using "in short"?

The use of "in short" is generally consistent across cultures, but the level of formality associated with it may vary. In some formal contexts, other phrases may be preferred.

• How common is the phrase "in short"?

The phrase "in short" is relatively common in the English language, and it is used in both spoken and written communication. It serves as a handy way to summarize or provide a concise overview of a topic or discussion. Its frequency of use can vary depending on the context and the formality of the communication.

Final Thoughts About "In Short"

The idiom "in short" means to say something briefly or concisely, usually as a summary or conclusion. It often introduces a more extended statement, the argument's main point, or the most critical information.

Some key points to remember about the idiom:

• It means to say something briefly or concisely.
• It is often used as a summary or conclusion.
• It can also be used to show impatience or frustration.
• It has some synonyms that can be used interchangeably.