Have you ever heard of the term short shrift? If not, then you are not alone. This creative saying is rather outdated, but it is an apt way to explain when someone doesn’t give a problem enough of their attention. If you are interested in learning more about this phrase, keep reading. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase short shrift means that someone or something has been treated in a curt manner. Generally, it also stands to mean being dismissed or given a reject in a quick and unsympathetic manner. It also means the time between being convicted or condemned and the punishment for the crime being carried out.
In terms of those giving a confession, short shrift means that there is or was almost no time between the confession and the punishment. In terms of a complex or even moderate problem, the phrase short shrift means that little to no attention was paid to the matter. In the religious sense, the act of confession to a priest, penance, and rapid absolution was called short shrift.
Example Usage
“The publishers heard that he had passed away, and since they could not make much money, they gave his stories the short shrift”.
“Giving these ideas the room they need to succeed is not always easy, that’s one reason so many inventors get the short shrift”.
“I really want to appeal the conviction, but I feel as if the judge is giving us the short shrift”.
“Consumers have been giving electric trucks the short shrift for two decades, but now that the prices are affordable, they may get a chance”.
Origin
The root of the phrase short shrift can be traced back to 1594. The phrase is archaic in nature and was created by the Church. It is a reference to the confession and subsequent absolution of the confessed persons sins. In modern times, the word shift means “to move”, and the original form, “shrift” is not seen on its own at all.
Early written records of the phrase short shrift are found in the play Richard III, by William Shakespeare. One of the characters, Lord Hastings, is told: “Make a short shrift". The reason being is that the King wanted him to be beheaded as quickly as possible.
As in Shakespeare’s writing, it means to shorten the length of the confession so that the punishment can be completed. As of the 19th century, the term has been used to refer to when not enough time has been given to a person or a subject. So, though the phrase was used by the Church, it is Shakespeare’s writing that kept the phrase alive. Despite this fact, it is a seldom used phrase outside of academic circles.
Phrases Similar to Short Shrift
- Tender mercies
- No pity
- Small portion
- Kick in the teeth
- No pity
- Unsympathetic
- No Quarter
Phrases Opposite to Short Shrift
- Due attention
- Patient
- Roundabout
- Merciful
- Humane
- Careful consideration
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – short shrift.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Short Shrift
Some ways that Short Shrift is used incorrectly are:
- Someone is always going to get the short shrift, and I hope it’s me. I want to go home early.
- Do you think that the boss will give me the short shrift today? I need as many hours as possible.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Short Shrift
Some ways that Short Shrift is used correctly are:
- When it comes to making the annual budget, individuals typically get the short shrift.
- In the past, many law enforcement agencies have been given the short shrift, but that stops now.
- Giving children the short shrift when removing them from their homes does them a disservice.
- She put for allegations against her teacher, but the faculty made short shrift out of the whole ordeal.