Give someone short shrift 🤏🗣️

Meaning

To give someone brief and dismissive treatment, often ignoring their needs or requests.

Origin

The phrase harks back to medieval times when 'shrift' referred to confession and absolution. A 'long shrift' meant a thorough confession and a lengthy period of penance, offering ample time for reflection and spiritual care. Conversely, 'short shrift' meant a hasty confession, often given on the executioner's block, with little to no time for repentance or comfort. This stark contrast between a chance for redemption and a swift, unceremonious end gave the phrase its enduring meaning of being dealt with quickly and unsympathetically.

🏰⚔️ medieval 😠⚔️ anger 🗣️ communication

Give someone short shrift represented with emoji🤏🗣️

This delightful pairing of a pinching hand and a speech bubble playfully subverts the notion of extensive discourse, teaching the viewer that sometimes, a little gesture can convey a whole lot. It underscores the idea that brevity can be bolder than verbosity, inviting a dialogue on how efficiently we communicate in our bustling digital age.

Examples

  • The overwhelmed receptionist could only give the complaining customer short shrift.
  • When it came to his siblings' silly games, the king always gave them short shrift.
  • The dragon, busy polishing its gold, gave the knight's humble request for a cup of tea short shrift.
  • Professor Owl, engrossed in his ancient scrolls, gave the little squirrel's urgent plea for a nut short shrift.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'give someone short shrift' a proverb or an idiom?

'Give someone short shrift' is an idiom. Idioms are phrases whose meanings cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words, much like this one, where 'short shrift' has a historical meaning far removed from its component words.

What's the opposite of 'give someone short shrift'?

The opposite of 'give someone short shrift' is to 'give someone a long shrift' or to give them ample time and consideration. This implies a thorough, sympathetic, and unhurried approach to addressing their needs or requests.

Could 'give someone short shrift' ever be a positive thing?

While rare, 'give someone short shrift' could be interpreted positively in contexts where swift, decisive action is needed, and lengthy deliberations would be detrimental. However, the phrase inherently carries a negative connotation of being rushed and dismissed.

Is there a modern equivalent to 'give someone short shrift'?

Modern equivalents can include 'brushing someone off,' 'giving someone the cold shoulder,' or simply 'ignoring someone.' These phrases capture the dismissive and unsympathetic treatment implied by 'short shrift.'

Similar to "give someone short shrift"

Brush someone off
Both phrases mean to dismiss someone rudely, but 'brush someone off' feels more casual and spontaneous, like swatting away an annoying fly rather than a deliberate, perhaps slightly more formal, ignoring
Give someone short measure
This phrase shares the idea of not giving someone their due, but 'short measure' specifically implies being cheated or receiving less than what is expected or deserved, often in a transactional context, whereas 'short shrift' is about the lack of attention itself
Sweep someone under the rug
Both involve neglecting or ignoring someone or something, but 'sweep someone under the rug' suggests a more systematic attempt to hide or conceal a person or problem, often to maintain appearances, while 'short shrift' is more about a quick, dismissive, and often public lack of engagement

Opposite of "give someone short shrift"

Give someone the red carpet treatment
This phrase argues for extravagant, special attention, directly countering the dismissive neglect of 'short shrift' by highlighting how worthwhile it is to make someone feel incredibly important and welcome
Roll out the welcome mat
This champions a warm, inclusive reception, suggesting that the right way to engage is with open arms and genuine hospitality, the very opposite of the curt dismissal implied by 'short shrift'
Lend a sympathetic ear
This champions active, empathetic listening and support, a stark contrast to the hurried, dismissive nature of 'short shrift,' asserting the value of truly hearing and validating someone's concerns

Related to "give someone short shrift"

Pass the buck
Both phrases describe dodging responsibility, where 'pass the buck' frames it as shifting blame or duty onto someone else, whereas 'short shrift' focuses more on the dismissive way the person or their issue is handled
Cut someone off
This phrase relates by also describing an abrupt termination of interaction, but 'cut someone off' often implies interrupting them mid-sentence or mid-action, a more sudden and direct silencing than the general dismissiveness of 'short shrift'
Get short end of the stick
These phrases share the word 'short' and the concept of receiving a disadvantage, but 'get short end of the stick' means to be treated unfairly or be in the less advantageous position, while 'short shrift' is about the *manner* of dismissive treatment received
Throw someone to the wolves
This shares the theme of abandoning someone to a bad situation, but 'throw someone to the wolves' implies a deliberate and dangerous betrayal, putting them in harm's way, which is a more severe form of neglect than the simple dismissiveness of 'short shrift'