short sharp shock

English

Etymology

Coined by W. S. Gilbert in the song "I Am So Proud" from The Mikado, referring euphemistically to a beheading.

Noun

short sharp shock (plural short sharp shocks)

1. (chiefly British) A regime intended to deter crime by making an immediate severe impact.
   • 2020 December 2, Mark Phillips, “Rebuilding Rail in the 2020s”, in Rail, page 47:

     While COVID-19 has provided a short, sharp shock to the industry, the end hopefully appears to be in sight.