short shrift

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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

Noun

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