What does the idiom "in a nutshell" mean?

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase in a nutshell, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression in a nutshell used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "in a nutshell"

Meaning

The phrase "in a nutshell" is an idiom that is used to mean briefly or in a few words. It is used to suggest that an explanation can be provided in a concise manner or that a plan or situation can be summarized quickly and easily.

Etymology

The phrase "in a nutshell" dates back to the 16th century and is thought to have originated from the Latin phrase "in nutu," which literally translates to "in a nut." Over time, the phrase has evolved to become the English idiom we use today.

The phrase is thought to have originated from the ancient practice of storing scrolls or documents in a hollowed out walnut. This practice was popular in the 16th century, as walnut shells were believed to be a unique and secure way to store information.

Usage

The phrase "in a nutshell" is used to summarize a situation or explain a concept in a concise manner. It is often used in the context of providing an overview of a topic quickly and effectively.

The phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is commonly used in speech, business meetings, and in writing.

Example Sentences

  • In a nutshell, the project needs more resources in order to be completed on time.

  • The proposal can be explained in a nutshell - we want to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

  • Let me explain it to you in a nutshell - the survey will take about two hours to complete.

  • To sum up the meeting in a nutshell, we need more time to finalize the plans.

The meanings of the words in the "in a nutshell" idiom

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.

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