Make short work of something/somebody
phrase
To finish or deal with something quickly and easily.
She made short work of the assignment and finished it an hour early.
Often appears as...
- make short work of a task
- make short work of an assignment
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To defeat or get rid of someone easily or swiftly.
The chess master made short work of his opponents in the tournament.
Often appears as...
- make short work of opponents
- make short work of enemies
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To finish or deal with something quickly and easily.
She made short work of the assignment and finished it an hour early.
Often appears as...
- make short work of a task
- make short work of an assignment
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To defeat or get rid of someone easily or swiftly.
The chess master made short work of his opponents in the tournament.
Often appears as...
- make short work of opponents
- make short work of enemies
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Used in casual conversation rather than formal speech or writing.
He made short work of cleaning his room so we could go out sooner.
Pro Tip 2/3Speed Implication
Implies completing a task faster than expected.
The team made short work of the project and impressed the client.
Pro Tip 3/3Ease Suggested
Suggests the task was not only quick but also easy to accomplish.
She made short work of the math problems, finding them simple.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Used in casual conversation rather than formal speech or writing.
He made short work of cleaning his room so we could go out sooner.
Pro Tip 2/3Speed Implication
Implies completing a task faster than expected.
The team made short work of the project and impressed the client.
Pro Tip 3/3Ease Suggested
Suggests the task was not only quick but also easy to accomplish.
She made short work of the math problems, finding them simple.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Use
Used in casual conversation rather than formal speech or writing.
He made short work of cleaning his room so we could go out sooner.
Pro Tip 2/3Speed Implication
Implies completing a task faster than expected.
The team made short work of the project and impressed the client.
Pro Tip 3/3Ease Suggested
Suggests the task was not only quick but also easy to accomplish.
She made short work of the math problems, finding them simple.
Never forget "Make short work of something/somebody"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension