Make a long story short

The phrase Make a long story short is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of Make a long story short.

Meaning of "Make a long story short"

Meaning

The idiom ‘Make a long story short’ is used when someone wants to explain something but is short of time or has already invested a lot of time in the explanation. It essentially means to summarise or condense a longer narrative into a few words that can provide the general idea. In other words, it means to get to the point without wasting time on unnecessary details.

Etymology

The phrase "make a long story short" is believed to have originated in the 16th century. During the time, it was used to denote skipping over unnecessary details in order to quickly get to the point. The phrase came from the popular saying that “a long story is no good until it is finished.”

Usage

The phrase “make a long story short” is often used as a way to quickly provide a summary or to cut to the chase. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when someone is talking about their day or when they are trying to tell a story. It is often used to save time, as well as to show that the speaker is trying to get to the point quickly and efficiently. It can also be used as a way to lighten the mood and keep conversations casual.

Example Sentences

• "I don't have enough time to explain everything, so I'll make a long story short. I finally got the job I wanted!"
• "I had the craziest day at the office yesterday - I don't even know where to begin. I'll make a long story short - my boss was angry at me for something I didn't do."
• "I know you're interested in the details, but I'm in a rush - let me make a long story short and just say that I got the promotion."

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.