short shrift

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Contents

English [edit]

Etymology [edit]

Originally, a rushed sacrament of confession (shrift) given to a prisoner who was to be executed very soon.

Pronunciation [edit]

  • (UK) IPA: /ˌʃɔː(ɹ)t ˈʃɹɪft/, X-SAMPA: /%SO:(r)t "Sr\Ift/
  • (US) IPA: /ˌʃɔɹt ˈʃɹɪft/, X-SAMPA: /%SOrt "Sr\Ift/

Noun [edit]

short shrift (plural short shrifts)

  1. (informal, sometimes preceded by the) A quick rejection, especially one which is impolite and undertaken without proper consideration.
    The bank gave me short shrift when I applied for a loan.

Translations [edit]

quick rejection
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