Shrift
noun
A brief and quick confession or forgiveness.
He was given short shrift by the judge.
Often appears as...
- give short shrift
- get short shrift
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
A brief and quick confession or forgiveness.
He was given short shrift by the judge.
Often appears as...
- give short shrift
- get short shrift
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Primarily used in the phrase 'to give short shrift', meaning to dismiss or ignore.
The committee gave short shrift to the proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Shrift' suggests a lack of attention or consideration, often perceived as negative.
His complaints were met with short shrift.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Origins
While archaic alone, 'shrift' mostly appears in the modern phrase 'short shrift'.
She received short shrift from her peers.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Primarily used in the phrase 'to give short shrift', meaning to dismiss or ignore.
The committee gave short shrift to the proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Shrift' suggests a lack of attention or consideration, often perceived as negative.
His complaints were met with short shrift.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Origins
While archaic alone, 'shrift' mostly appears in the modern phrase 'short shrift'.
She received short shrift from her peers.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Primarily used in the phrase 'to give short shrift', meaning to dismiss or ignore.
The committee gave short shrift to the proposal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Shrift' suggests a lack of attention or consideration, often perceived as negative.
His complaints were met with short shrift.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Origins
While archaic alone, 'shrift' mostly appears in the modern phrase 'short shrift'.
She received short shrift from her peers.
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Quote examples
Jodi Kantor
American Journalist
First ladies, you know, we look at Michelle Obama, and we look at most first ladies, and they seem like they have it all. You know, they live in the White House, they go to state dinners, they ride on Air Force One, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. But first ladies do often feel that they are given short shrift or forgotten or left at the margins.
Quote examples
William Hurt
American Actor
For as privileged an actor as I have been, TV as a standard is short shrift. They have to do it so quickly that they don't stop and take a look. They just shoot. So that's one of the reasons I typically stay away from it. I think art is an act of consideration, and if you're not considering, I don't think you're really doing mankind a favor.
Quote examples
Whitney Tilson
American Businessman
There is a natural tendency for investors to devote a significant majority of their time to finding new ideas. After all, uncovering great companies selling at great prices is the lifeblood of successful investing. But in the never-ending quest for the next great idea, investors often give short shrift to their existing investments.
Quote examples
Paul Dini
American Writer
A lot of times, female characters - particularly the villains - come off as very one-dimensional. They get the short shrift in that they're only given the snappy comeback, or they're relegated to a very stereotypical role. I want to know what's driving them - that's what's really interesting.
Quote examples
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Roman Statesman
We should every night call ourselves to an account: what infirmity have I mastered today? what passions opposed? what temptation resisted? what virtue acquired? Our vices will abate of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift.
Quote examples
F. Murray Abraham
American Actor
I like to teach. And when I spot talent without ambition, it makes me angry. I give students short shrift if they're not willing to do the work. Relying on talent is not enough.
Quote examples
Benjamin Wittes
American Journalist
If the 'enemy combatant' cases of Padilla and Hamdi present a clash between liberty and security, each side champions one while giving short shrift to the other.
Quote examples
Channing Dungey
American Businesswoman
The issue of work/life balance is a real one, and yet I still find myself frustrated if I feel like I'm giving some aspect of my life short shrift.
Quote examples
Lea Thompson
American Actress
Sitcoms are usually given short shrift by the acting profession, but it's quite an amazing job.
Quote examples
Duncan Jones
English Director
I love games, and I feel they've been sold short shrift in films so far.
Quote examples
Jodi Kantor
American Journalist
First ladies, you know, we look at Michelle Obama, and we look at most first ladies, and they seem like they have it all. You know, they live in the White House, they go to state dinners, they ride on Air Force One, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. But first ladies do often feel that they are given short shrift or forgotten or left at the margins.
Quote examples
William Hurt
American Actor
For as privileged an actor as I have been, TV as a standard is short shrift. They have to do it so quickly that they don't stop and take a look. They just shoot. So that's one of the reasons I typically stay away from it. I think art is an act of consideration, and if you're not considering, I don't think you're really doing mankind a favor.
Quote examples
Whitney Tilson
American Businessman
There is a natural tendency for investors to devote a significant majority of their time to finding new ideas. After all, uncovering great companies selling at great prices is the lifeblood of successful investing. But in the never-ending quest for the next great idea, investors often give short shrift to their existing investments.
Quote examples
Paul Dini
American Writer
A lot of times, female characters - particularly the villains - come off as very one-dimensional. They get the short shrift in that they're only given the snappy comeback, or they're relegated to a very stereotypical role. I want to know what's driving them - that's what's really interesting.
Quote examples
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Roman Statesman
We should every night call ourselves to an account: what infirmity have I mastered today? what passions opposed? what temptation resisted? what virtue acquired? Our vices will abate of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift.
Quote examples
F. Murray Abraham
American Actor
I like to teach. And when I spot talent without ambition, it makes me angry. I give students short shrift if they're not willing to do the work. Relying on talent is not enough.
Quote examples
Benjamin Wittes
American Journalist
If the 'enemy combatant' cases of Padilla and Hamdi present a clash between liberty and security, each side champions one while giving short shrift to the other.
Quote examples
Channing Dungey
American Businesswoman
The issue of work/life balance is a real one, and yet I still find myself frustrated if I feel like I'm giving some aspect of my life short shrift.
Quote examples
Lea Thompson
American Actress
Sitcoms are usually given short shrift by the acting profession, but it's quite an amazing job.
Quote examples
Duncan Jones
English Director
I love games, and I feel they've been sold short shrift in films so far.
Example 1 of 10
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