90+ Idioms for Short: Expressions About Brevity, Smallness, and Quickness

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Have you ever wondered why English speakers say things like “in a nutshell” when they could simply say “briefly”? Or why someone might tell you they’re “short on time” instead of just saying they’re busy? Welcome to the colorful world of idioms for short!

Idioms for short are expressions that use the word “short” or convey meanings related to shortness in creative, figurative ways. They’re like linguistic shortcuts that pack a lot of meaning into just a few words. Think of them as the Swiss Army knives of conversation – small, compact, but incredibly useful.

These expressions make English communication so much more engaging than plain, straightforward language. Instead of saying “I’ll explain this quickly,” you might say “I’ll give you the short and sweet version.” See the difference? The idiom adds personality and flair to your speech.

But here’s what makes idioms for short particularly interesting: they don’t just talk about physical shortness. They cover a fascinating range of meanings related to brevity, smallness, impatience, and quick actions. Some describe time (“in a flash”), others talk about temper (“short fuse”), and still others reference physical size (“knee-high to a grasshopper”).

Why should you care about mastering these expressions? Simple. Native English speakers use them constantly in everyday conversation, business meetings, movies, books, and social media. When you understand and use these idioms naturally, you sound more fluent and authentic. You’re not just speaking English – you’re speaking it like a native.

Picture this: You’re in a meeting, and your colleague says, “Let’s make short work of this agenda.” If you know this idiom means “to complete something quickly and efficiently,” you’re in the loop. If you don’t, you might feel lost or confused.

This comprehensive guide organizes 93 idioms for short into logical themes, making them easier to learn and remember. We’ll explore expressions about brevity and conciseness, dive into idioms about temper and patience, examine phrases related to physical smallness, and discover some fun, creative expressions you might not have heard before.

Each idiom comes with a clear meaning, a real-world example sentence, and alternative ways to express the same idea. Plus, we’ve included quizzes to test your knowledge and help these expressions stick in your memory.

Ready to transform your English from ordinary to extraordinary? Let’s dive in and discover how these short expressions can make a big impact on your communication skills.

Idioms for Short Related to Brevity and Conciseness

Core “Short” Expressions

When you need to get your point across quickly, these idioms are your best friends. They’re all about being brief, concise, and to the point. Let’s explore the expressions that help you communicate efficiently without losing impact.

1. In a Nutshell

Meaning: To summarize something briefly and simply
Example: “In a nutshell, the meeting was a success, but we need to work on our budget.”
Alternatives: In summary, briefly speaking, to put it simply

Think about it – a nutshell is tiny, yet it contains everything needed to grow a tree. That’s exactly what this idiom does with information.

2. Short and Sweet

Meaning: Brief but pleasant and to the point
Example: “Keep your presentation short and sweet – we only have ten minutes.”
Alternatives: Brief and effective, concise and clear, quick and pleasant

3. At Short Notice / Short Notice

Meaning: With little advance warning or preparation time
Example: “Sorry to call you at such short notice, but can you cover my shift tonight?”
Alternatives: Last minute, with little warning, on short time

4. Cut it Short / Cut Short

Meaning: To end something earlier than planned or expected
Example: “We had to cut the vacation short because of the emergency at work.”
Alternatives: End early, stop abruptly, terminate quickly

5. In Short

Meaning: To summarize or conclude briefly
Example: “We tried three different approaches, consulted experts, and ran countless tests. In short, nothing worked.”
Alternatives: In conclusion, to sum up, basically

6. In a Flash

Meaning: Very quickly, in an instant
Example: “She solved that complex math problem in a flash.”
Alternatives: Instantly, in a split second, lightning fast

7. Blink of an Eye

Meaning: An extremely short period of time
Example: “The summer holidays passed in the blink of an eye.”
Alternatives: In no time, instantly, in a heartbeat

8. Bite-sized

Meaning: Small enough to be easily managed or understood
Example: “Break this big project into bite-sized tasks so it’s less overwhelming.”
Alternatives: Manageable pieces, small chunks, digestible portions

9. In No Time

Meaning: Very quickly, soon
Example: “Don’t worry, I’ll have this report finished in no time.”
Alternatives: Very soon, quickly, in a jiffy

10. Brief Encounter

Meaning: A short, often meaningful meeting or experience
Example: “It was just a brief encounter at the coffee shop, but we instantly connected.”
Alternatives: Short meeting, quick interaction, fleeting moment

11. Momentary Lapse

Meaning: A brief period of forgetting or poor judgment
Example: “Sorry, I had a momentary lapse and forgot your name.”
Alternatives: Brief forgetfulness, temporary slip, short-term memory loss

12. Nipped in the Bud

Meaning: To stop something at an early stage before it develops
Example: “We nipped the rumor in the bud before it could spread through the office.”
Alternatives: Stopped early, prevented quickly, cut off at the start

13. A Quick Fix

Meaning: A fast but often temporary solution
Example: “This tape is just a quick fix – we’ll need to properly repair the pipe later.”
Alternatives: Fast solution, temporary repair, rapid remedy

14. One-minute Wonder

Meaning: Someone or something that’s briefly successful or popular
Example: “That viral dance was just a one-minute wonder – nobody does it anymore.”
Alternatives: Flash in the pan, brief sensation, short-lived hit

15. Quick Bite

Meaning: A fast, light meal
Example: “Let’s grab a quick bite before the movie starts.”
Alternatives: Fast snack, light meal, speedy food

16. Lightning Speed

Meaning: Extremely fast
Example: “The new intern works at lightning speed – she’s already finished three reports!”
Alternatives: Super fast, incredibly quick, blazing speed

17. At a Glance

Meaning: With just a quick look, immediately obvious
Example: “At a glance, I could see the presentation needed more visual elements.”
Alternatives: Immediately, with one look, right away

18. A Short Spell

Meaning: A brief period of time
Example: “After a short spell of rain, the sun came out again.”
Alternatives: Brief period, short time, quick phase

19. A Blip on the Radar

Meaning: A minor, temporary issue or event
Example: “Don’t worry about that customer complaint – it’s just a blip on the radar.”
Alternatives: Minor hiccup, small problem, temporary glitch

20. Pop In

Meaning: To visit briefly and casually
Example: “I’ll pop in to see you after lunch if you’re free.”
Alternatives: Drop by quickly, visit briefly, stop by

21. Cat Nap

Meaning: A short sleep, usually during the day
Example: “I’m going to take a quick cat nap before dinner.”
Alternatives: Power nap, brief sleep, quick doze

22. A Quick Shot

Meaning: A brief attempt or try at something
Example: “Let me take a quick shot at fixing your computer.”
Alternatives: Quick try, brief attempt, fast go

23. Skim the Surface

Meaning: To deal with something superficially, not in depth
Example: “This introduction only skims the surface of the topic.”
Alternatives: Touch briefly, cover lightly, deal superficially

24. Quick as a Wink

Meaning: Very fast
Example: “She disappeared from the party quick as a wink.”
Alternatives: Lightning fast, in a flash, super quick

25. In Brief

Meaning: Summarized in few words
Example: “The news, in brief: the election results are still being counted.”
Alternatives: In summary, briefly stated, in short

26. A Quick Peek

Meaning: A brief look
Example: “Can I take a quick peek at your notes before the test?”
Alternatives: Fast look, brief glance, short view

27. A Snippet

Meaning: A small piece of information or conversation
Example: “I only caught a snippet of their conversation, but it sounded important.”
Alternatives: Brief extract, small piece, short segment

28. In Passing

Meaning: Briefly, while doing something else
Example: “She mentioned in passing that she might be moving to California.”
Alternatives: Casually mentioned, briefly noted, mentioned briefly

29. A Minute Detail

Meaning: A very small, specific piece of information
Example: “Don’t worry about every minute detail – focus on the big picture.”
Alternatives: Tiny detail, small specifics, minor point

30. Touch-and-Go

Meaning: Uncertain, risky, or done very quickly
Example: “It was touch-and-go whether we’d finish the project on time.”
Alternatives: Risky situation, uncertain outcome, close call

31. On the Spot

Meaning: Immediately, without preparation
Example: “The boss put me on the spot by asking me to give an impromptu presentation.”
Alternatives: Right away, immediately, without warning

32. Just a Sec

Meaning: Wait for just a moment (very informal)
Example: “Just a sec – let me grab my keys and we can go.”
Alternatives: One moment, hold on, wait briefly

33. Quick on the Draw

Meaning: Fast to react or respond
Example: “Sarah’s quick on the draw with clever comebacks during debates.”
Alternatives: Fast to respond, quick to react, rapid response

These brevity-focused idioms are perfect for today’s fast-paced world where everyone appreciates getting to the point quickly and efficiently.

Idioms for Short Related to Temper, Limits, and Patience

Ever notice how the word “short” often appears when we talk about running out of something? Whether it’s patience, time, or resources, these idioms capture those moments when we’re stretched thin or reaching our limits. Let’s explore expressions that deal with scarcity, frustration, and those times when things don’t go quite as planned.

34. Short Fuse

Meaning: Having a quick temper, getting angry easily
Example: “Don’t tease him about his haircut – he’s got a short fuse today.”
Alternatives: Quick temper, easily angered, hot-headed

Picture a cartoon bomb with a tiny fuse – it explodes fast, just like someone with a short temper!

35. A Short Leash

Meaning: Strict control or supervision over someone
Example: “Ever since the incident, the manager keeps all new employees on a short leash.”
Alternatives: Tight control, close supervision, strict oversight

36. In Short Supply

Meaning: Not enough of something available, scarce
Example: “Good mechanics are in short supply in this town.”
Alternatives: Scarce, limited, hard to find

37. Nothing Short of

Meaning: Used for emphasis, meaning “completely” or “absolutely”
Example: “Her performance was nothing short of spectacular.”
Alternatives: Absolutely, completely, totally

38. A Short Straw / Draw the Short Straw

Meaning: To be chosen for an undesirable task, usually by chance
Example: “I drew the short straw and have to work on Christmas Day.”
Alternatives: Get the worst deal, be unlucky, get stuck with the bad job

39. Short End of the Stick

Meaning: To receive unfair treatment or get the worst part of a deal
Example: “When they divided the inheritance, Sarah got the short end of the stick.”
Alternatives: Raw deal, unfair treatment, worst outcome

40. Run Short of

Meaning: To not have enough of something
Example: “We’re running short of coffee – someone needs to go to the store.”
Alternatives: Running low on, almost out of, lacking

41. Short on Time

Meaning: Not having enough time available
Example: “I’m short on time today, so let’s keep this meeting brief.”
Alternatives: Pressed for time, time-crunched, in a hurry

42. Make Short Work of

Meaning: To complete something quickly and efficiently
Example: “The cleaning crew made short work of the messy conference room.”
Alternatives: Finish quickly, complete efficiently, handle rapidly

43. A Short Memory

Meaning: Tendency to forget things quickly, especially convenient forgetting
Example: “Politicians seem to have short memories when it comes to their campaign promises.”
Alternatives: Forgetful, selective memory, quick to forget

44. Fall Short / Come Up Short / Come Up a Bit Short

Meaning: To fail to reach a goal or expectation
Example: “Our fundraising efforts fell short of the target by about $500.”
Alternatives: Miss the mark, fail to achieve, not quite enough

45. A Short List

Meaning: A small number of final candidates or options
Example: “After reviewing 50 applications, we’ve narrowed it down to a short list of five candidates.”
Alternatives: Final selection, top candidates, narrowed choices

46. Short-lived

Meaning: Lasting for only a brief period
Example: “Their argument was short-lived – they made up within an hour.”
Alternatives: Brief, temporary, fleeting

47. Short Shrift

Meaning: Little attention or consideration, often unfairly dismissive
Example: “The committee gave his proposal short shrift and rejected it immediately.”
Alternatives: Little consideration, dismissive treatment, quick rejection

48. Short Change

Meaning: To cheat someone by giving them less than they deserve
Example: “I feel like I was short changed in that business deal.”
Alternatives: Cheat, give less than deserved, treat unfairly

49. Short Order / Short Order Cook / In Short Order

Meaning: Very quickly, without delay
Example: “The new security system was installed in short order.”
Alternatives: Quickly, rapidly, without delay

50. Short-handed

Meaning: Not having enough people to do the work
Example: “We’re short-handed today because two people called in sick.”
Alternatives: Understaffed, lacking workers, not enough help

51. Short Sighted

Meaning: Lacking foresight, not thinking about future consequences
Example: “Cutting the education budget seems short sighted to me.”
Alternatives: Lacking foresight, narrow-minded, not thinking ahead

52. Short of Breath

Meaning: Having difficulty breathing, winded
Example: “After climbing five flights of stairs, I was short of breath.”
Alternatives: Winded, breathless, out of breath

53. A Short Temper / Short-tempered

Meaning: Getting angry easily and quickly
Example: “My grandfather was known for his short temper, especially when people were late.”
Alternatives: Quick to anger, easily irritated, hot-tempered

54. Stop Short

Meaning: To suddenly stop doing something or stop moving
Example: “I stopped short of telling him exactly what I thought about his idea.”
Alternatives: Halt suddenly, stop abruptly, pause suddenly

55. Short Attention Span

Meaning: Unable to concentrate for long periods
Example: “Kids today seem to have shorter attention spans than previous generations.”
Alternatives: Easily distracted, can’t focus long, brief concentration

56. Short Run / In the Short Run

Meaning: Over a brief period of time (opposite of long-term)
Example: “In the short run, this solution might work, but we need a permanent fix.”
Alternatives: Short-term, temporarily, for now

57. Short on Patience

Meaning: Having little tolerance or patience left
Example: “I’m short on patience today after dealing with three difficult customers.”
Alternatives: Running out of patience, losing tolerance, fed up

58. Short Odds

Meaning: High probability of something happening (betting term)
Example: “There are short odds that it will rain tomorrow – the forecast shows 90% chance.”
Alternatives: High probability, likely chance, good odds

59. In a Short Span of Time

Meaning: Within a brief period
Example: “She learned to speak French fluently in a short span of time.”
Alternatives: In a brief period, quickly, in little time

60. Short Stack of Nerves

Meaning: Very nervous or anxious (informal)
Example: “Before the job interview, I was just a short stack of nerves.”
Alternatives: Bundle of nerves, very anxious, extremely nervous

61. On the Short Side

Meaning: Somewhat lacking or insufficient
Example: “The portions at that restaurant are on the short side for the price.”
Alternatives: A bit lacking, somewhat insufficient, on the small side

62. A Short Hop

Meaning: A brief journey or distance
Example: “The airport is just a short hop from downtown.”
Alternatives: Brief trip, quick journey, short distance

63. Short-lived Joy

Meaning: Happiness that doesn’t last long
Example: “Their short-lived joy turned to disappointment when they realized the mistake.”
Alternatives: Brief happiness, temporary pleasure, fleeting joy

64. Short Circuit

Meaning: To bypass normal procedures or to malfunction
Example: “Let’s short circuit the usual approval process and get this done today.”
Alternatives: Bypass, skip steps, take a shortcut

65. Short Haul / Short Haul vs. Long Haul

Meaning: A brief journey or project (opposite of long-term commitment)
Example: “This job is just a short haul until I find something permanent.”
Alternatives: Brief commitment, temporary arrangement, short-term

66. Short of Saying…

Meaning: Without actually stating something directly
Example: “He did everything short of saying he didn’t want to work here anymore.”
Alternatives: Without directly stating, stopped just before saying, avoided saying

67. Shortfall

Meaning: A deficit or amount that’s less than expected or needed
Example: “There’s a shortfall of $2,000 in this month’s budget.”
Alternatives: Deficit, shortage, gap

68. Short of a Miracle

Meaning: Unless something extraordinary happens
Example: “Short of a miracle, we won’t finish this project on time.”
Alternatives: Unless something amazing happens, barring a miracle, without extraordinary help

69. Short in the Wallet

Meaning: Having little money, broke
Example: “I’m a bit short in the wallet this month after paying all my bills.”
Alternatives: Low on cash, broke, financially tight

70. Short Story Long

Meaning: An ironic way to introduce a long explanation (the opposite of “long story short”)
Example: “Short story long, I ended up walking home in the rain after my car broke down, then getting locked out of my house.”
Alternatives: To make a long story longer, ironically speaking, the full version

These expressions show how “short” often represents limitations, frustrations, and those challenging moments when we don’t have quite enough of what we need – whether it’s time, patience, or resources.

Idioms for Short Related to Smallness, Height, and Size

Now we enter the playful world of physical descriptions! These idioms paint vivid pictures of small things, short people, or tiny amounts. Many of these expressions are surprisingly creative – and some might make you chuckle. They’re perfect for adding color and humor to your descriptions.

71. Knee-high to a Grasshopper

Meaning: Very small or young, referring to someone who was little
Example: “I’ve known Tom since he was knee-high to a grasshopper.”
Alternatives: Very small, tiny, when he was little

Ever tried to imagine how tall a grasshopper’s knee would be? Exactly – practically nothing! This charming idiom perfectly captures just how small someone was.

72. Small Fry

Meaning: Someone unimportant or children (can be slightly dismissive)
Example: “Don’t worry about what the small fry think – focus on the decision makers.”
Alternatives: Little people, minor players, unimportant people

73. As Small as an Ant

Meaning: Extremely tiny
Example: “From the airplane window, the cars looked as small as ants.”
Alternatives: Tiny, minuscule, microscopic

74. Not Taller than a Soapbox

Meaning: Very short in height
Example: “The new intern isn’t taller than a soapbox, but she’s got big ideas.”
Alternatives: Very short, quite small, not very tall

75. Lower than a Snake’s Belly

Meaning: Extremely low, often referring to someone’s character or position
Example: “After that scandal, his reputation was lower than a snake’s belly.”
Alternatives: Very low, rock bottom, extremely bad

76. Peanut

Meaning: A small person or a small amount (often used affectionately)
Example: “Come here, peanut!” she said to her little nephew.
Alternatives: Little one, small person, tiny amount

77. Pocket-sized

Meaning: Very small, compact enough to fit in a pocket
Example: “She carries a pocket-sized notebook everywhere for jotting down ideas.”
Alternatives: Compact, tiny, miniature

78. Pint-sized

Meaning: Small in stature, often used for people or things
Example: “That pint-sized boxer packed quite a punch!”
Alternatives: Small, compact, little

79. A Few Inches Short of a Foot

Meaning: Humorously suggesting someone is not very intelligent (playing on measurement)
Example: “I think he’s a few inches short of a foot if he believes that story.”
Alternatives: Not very bright, missing some intelligence, not the sharpest

80. Short a Few Marbles

Meaning: Not very intelligent or mentally unstable (informal and somewhat rude)
Example: “Anyone who tries to swim in that freezing lake must be short a few marbles.”
Alternatives: Not all there, missing something upstairs, not quite right

81. Short a Button

Meaning: Not very smart or missing something obvious (informal)
Example: “If you think that plan will work, you might be short a button.”
Alternatives: Not thinking clearly, missing the point, not very bright

82. A Few Fries Short of a Happy Meal

Meaning: Not very intelligent or mentally unstable (humorous, modern slang)
Example: “He’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal if he thinks he can drive cross-country on five dollars.”
Alternatives: Not all there, missing something, not thinking straight

83. A Short Stack (pancakes)

Meaning: A smaller portion of pancakes, usually two instead of three
Example: “I’m not very hungry, so I’ll just have a short stack with syrup.”
Alternatives: Small portion, fewer pancakes, lighter serving

84. A Short Stack (poker)

Meaning: Having fewer chips than other players in a poker game
Example: “I’m playing with a short stack, so I need to be careful with my bets.”
Alternatives: Few chips, limited resources, small amount

These size-related idioms prove that English speakers love getting creative with descriptions, turning simple concepts like “small” into memorable, vivid expressions that stick in your mind.

Fun & Creative Idioms for Short

Here’s where English gets really playful! These idioms might not fit neatly into our other categories, but they’re too interesting to leave out. Some are quirky, others are clever, and a few might surprise you with their unexpected meanings. Think of this as the “miscellaneous” drawer of short idioms – full of hidden gems.

85. Run-of-the-Mill

Meaning: Ordinary, common, nothing special
Example: “The restaurant was just run-of-the-mill – decent food but nothing memorable.”
Alternatives: Ordinary, average, typical

Wait, how does this relate to “short”? Well, it suggests something that doesn’t stand out – it’s metaphorically “short” on special qualities!

86. Flash in the Pan

Meaning: Something that shows initial promise but quickly fails or disappears
Example: “That viral app was just a flash in the pan – nobody uses it anymore.”
Alternatives: Brief success, temporary hit, short-lived phenomenon

87. A Hop, Skip, and a Jump

Meaning: A very short distance
Example: “The beach is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our hotel.”
Alternatives: Very close, short distance, nearby

Picture a child playing – three quick movements and you’re there! This idiom makes distance sound fun and effortless.

88. Hit and Run

Meaning: A quick attack or action followed by immediate departure
Example: “She made a hit and run comment about his haircut, then quickly left the room.”
Alternatives: Quick strike, brief attack, fast action and exit

89. A Drop in the Bucket

Meaning: A very small amount compared to what’s needed
Example: “My $20 donation is just a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps.”
Alternatives: Tiny amount, insignificant portion, small contribution

90. Shrink in Size

Meaning: To become smaller, often used metaphorically
Example: “His confidence seemed to shrink in size when the boss walked in.”
Alternatives: Get smaller, diminish, reduce

91. A Short Walk Off a Long Pier

Meaning: A sarcastic way to tell someone to go away or that their idea is bad
Example: “You want me to work for free? You can take a short walk off a long pier!”
Alternatives: Get lost, forget it, no way

This is definitely one of the more colorful ways to reject someone’s suggestion – though you probably shouldn’t use it with your boss!

92. Short Story

Meaning: A brief fictional narrative (literal meaning, but used idiomatically to introduce explanations)
Example: “Short story: I missed my train, got caught in the rain, and arrived two hours late.”
Alternatives: Brief explanation, in summary, long story short

These creative expressions show just how inventive English can be when it comes to using “short” in unexpected ways – proving that language is as much about imagination as it is about communication.

Quiz Section 1 — Multiple-Choice Questions

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see how well you’ve absorbed these idioms! Choose the best answer for each question. Don’t worry if you don’t get them all right the first time – that’s how we learn.

Question 1: What does “in a nutshell” mean? a) Inside a small container b) To summarize briefly c) To hide something d) To crack open a nut

Question 2: If someone has “a short fuse,” they: a) Have electrical problems b) Are very tall c) Get angry easily d) Work with explosives

Question 3: When you “make short work of” something, you: a) Do a poor job b) Complete it quickly and efficiently c) Make it smaller d) Quit before finishing

Question 4: What does “knee-high to a grasshopper” describe? a) Someone who’s very tall b) A person who loves insects c) Someone who was very small or young d) A good jumper

Question 5: If you “draw the short straw,” you: a) Win a prize b) Get chosen for an undesirable task c) Are good at art d) Have long arms

Question 6: “Flash in the pan” refers to something that: a) Cooks quickly b) Is very bright c) Shows promise but quickly fails d) Happens in the kitchen

Question 7: When someone is “short-handed,” they: a) Have small hands b) Don’t have enough workers c) Are left-handed d) Can’t reach high places

Question 8: What does “fall short” mean? a) To trip and fall b) To be physically short c) To fail to reach a goal d) To drop something

Question 9: If something happens “in the blink of an eye,” it happens: a) When you’re sleeping b) Very slowly c) Only at night d) Very quickly

Question 10: “A drop in the bucket” means: a) Something that’s wet b) A very small amount compared to what’s needed c) A plumbing problem d) Something that falls down

Answer Key for Multiple-Choice Quiz

How did you do? Don’t peek at these answers until you’ve tried all the questions yourself! Remember, getting some wrong is perfectly normal – it just shows you which idioms need a bit more practice.

Answer 1: b) To summarize briefly “In a nutshell” means to explain something in just a few words. Think of cramming all the important information into something as small as a nutshell!

Answer 2: c) Get angry easily Someone with “a short fuse” loses their temper quickly, just like a bomb with a short fuse explodes fast. No electrical work involved!

Answer 3: b) Complete it quickly and efficiently When you “make short work of” something, you finish it in no time. It’s about speed and efficiency, not poor quality.

Answer 4: c) Someone who was very small or young “Knee-high to a grasshopper” is a charming way to describe how little someone was when they were young. Grasshoppers don’t have very high knees!

Answer 5: b) Get chosen for an undesirable task “Drawing the short straw” means you got the unlucky choice. This comes from an old method of random selection where the person who picked the shortest straw got stuck with the worst job.

Answer 6: c) Shows promise but quickly fails A “flash in the pan” refers to something that seems successful at first but doesn’t last. Like a bright flash that quickly disappears.

Answer 7: b) Don’t have enough workers Being “short-handed” means you need more people to do the work properly. It has nothing to do with the actual size of anyone’s hands!

Answer 8: c) To fail to reach a goal “Fall short” means you didn’t quite make it to your target. You came close, but not close enough.

Answer 9: d) Very quickly “In the blink of an eye” describes something that happens extremely fast – about as fast as you can blink!

Answer 10: b) A very small amount compared to what’s needed “A drop in the bucket” means your contribution is tiny compared to the total amount required. One drop doesn’t fill a bucket!

Scoring Guide:

9-10 correct: Outstanding! You’re ready to use these idioms confidently.
7-8 correct: Great job! Just review the ones you missed.
5-6 correct: Good effort! Spend some time with the explanations.
0-4 correct: No worries! Go back and review the idioms, then try again.

The key to mastering idioms is practice and repetition – keep using them in conversation and they’ll become second nature.

Quiz Section 2 — Fill-in-the-Gap Questions

Time for a different challenge! Complete each sentence by filling in the blank with the correct idiom. This quiz tests whether you can recognize when and how to use these expressions in context. Think about which idiom fits best in each situation.

Question 1: I need to explain this complicated situation quickly, so let me put it __________ – we’re in trouble. Answer: _______________

Question 2: Sarah has been working at __________ speed to finish the project before the deadline. Answer: _______________

Question 3: The company is __________ experienced managers after three people quit last month. Answer: _______________

Question 4: Don’t argue with him when he’s tired – he’s got a __________ today. Answer: _______________

Question 5: This new restaurant was popular for a week, but it turned out to be just a __________. Answer: _______________

Question 6: We had to __________ our vacation __________ because of the family emergency. Answer: _______________

Question 7: I’ve known Maria since she was __________ to a grasshopper. Answer: _______________

Question 8: The grocery store is just a __________, skip, and a jump from our house. Answer: _______________

Question 9: Our fundraising efforts __________ of the $10,000 goal by about $2,000. Answer: _______________

Question 10: Can you give me the presentation in a __________? I only have five minutes. Answer: _______________

Answer Key for Fill-in-the-Gap Quiz

Here are the answers! Check how you did and pay attention to how each idiom fits naturally into its sentence. Notice how the context clues in each sentence point toward the correct idiom.

Answer 1: in a nutshell The context clue is “explain this complicated situation quickly” – perfect for “in a nutshell,” which means to summarize briefly.

Answer 2: lightning “Lightning speed” fits perfectly with “working fast to finish before the deadline.” The phrase describes extremely fast work.

Answer 3: short of / running short of “Short of experienced managers” or “running short of experienced managers” both work here. The context shows they don’t have enough after people quit.

Answer 4: short fuse When someone is “tired” and you shouldn’t “argue with him,” it clearly indicates he has a “short fuse” – meaning he gets angry easily.

Answer 5: flash in the pan Something that was “popular for a week” but didn’t last describes a “flash in the pan” – brief success that quickly disappears.

Answer 6: cut / short “Cut our vacation short” means they ended it earlier than planned because of the emergency. The structure “cut something short” is the complete idiom.

Answer 7: knee-high “Knee-high to a grasshopper” is the complete expression meaning she was very small when they first met.

Answer 8: hop “A hop, skip, and a jump” describes a very short distance. The grocery store is very close to their house.

Answer 9: fell short “Fell short of the $10,000 goal” means they didn’t reach their target. They were $2,000 under their goal.

Answer 10: nutshell “In a nutshell” fits perfectly when someone wants a quick summary in just five minutes.

How to Improve Your Score:

Read the context carefully – the surrounding words usually give you hints about which idiom fits
Think about the situation – is it about time, size, anger, or summary?
Practice using idioms in your own sentences – this helps you remember when to use them
Pay attention to complete phrases – some idioms have multiple parts like “cut something short”

The more you encounter these idioms in real situations, the more naturally you’ll know which one to use when.

Conclusion

What a journey we’ve taken through the fascinating world of short idioms! From the quick and concise expressions that help us communicate efficiently, to the colorful phrases that describe everything from tiny grasshopper knees to explosive tempers, we’ve covered 92 unique ways English speakers use “short” to paint vivid pictures with words.

Let’s recap the key themes we’ve explored:

Brevity and quickness dominated our first section, giving you tools to talk about speed and efficiency. Whether you’re summarizing something “in a nutshell” or completing a task “in a flash,” these idioms help you sound natural when discussing time and pace.

Limits and patience filled our second major section, showing how “short” often signals when we’re running low on something – whether it’s time, patience, or resources. From having a “short fuse” to being “short-handed,” these expressions capture those moments when we’re stretched thin.

Size and physical descriptions brought us some of the most charming idioms in English. Who could forget being “knee-high to a grasshopper” or someone being “pint-sized”? These expressions prove that English speakers love creative ways to describe the physical world.

Creative and miscellaneous uses showed us just how inventive language can be, with expressions like “a hop, skip, and a jump” that turn simple concepts into memorable phrases.

But here’s the most important part: don’t let these idioms just sit in your memory like unused tools in a drawer. The real magic happens when you start incorporating them into your daily conversations, emails, and writing. Native speakers use these expressions constantly, and when you do too, you’ll sound more fluent and engaging.

Start small. Pick three or four idioms that resonate with you and practice using them this week. Maybe you’ll tell a colleague you can explain something “in a nutshell,” or mention that your commute is just “a hop, skip, and a jump.” Before you know it, these expressions will feel as natural as saying “hello.”

Remember, mastering idioms isn’t about memorizing definitions – it’s about understanding when and how to use them in real situations. The quizzes in this guide are just the beginning. The real test comes when you’re having an actual conversation and the perfect idiom pops into your head at just the right moment.

Keep practicing, stay curious about language, and don’t be afraid to experiment with these expressions. After all, the best way to make these idioms stick is to use them until they become second nature. In short – start using them today, and watch your English come alive with color and personality!