Cut a long story short: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Cut a long story short” mean?

"Cut a long story short" means to summarize something quickly or get to the main point without going into unnecessary details.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I won't bore you with all the details, but cut a long story short, I ended up getting the job.

Example

We had a lot of setbacks along the way, but cut a long story short, we finally made it to the top of the mountain.

Example

I could go on for hours about what happened, but cut a long story short, we broke up and went our separate ways

Is “Cut a long story short” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Cut a long story short” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Cut a long story short” effectively in context?

You can use "Cut a long story short" when you want to summarize something quickly or get to the main point without going into unnecessary details. It's a useful expression to use when you want to save time or keep the conversation concise. For example, if someone asks you about a recent trip, you could say, 'We had a lot of adventures, but "cut a long story short", we had an amazing time.'

• 1. Job Interview

  I had a lot of experience in the field, but cut a long story short, I got the job.

• 2. Travel

  We faced many challenges along the way, but cut a long story short, we reached our destination.

• 3. Relationships

  We had our ups and downs, but cut a long story short, we decided to break up.

Similar phrases to “Cut a long story short”:

Get to the point

To express the need for someone to state the main idea or purpose without unnecessary details

Example

Please get to the point and tell us what happened.

In a nutshell

To summarize something briefly or concisely

Example

In a nutshell, the project was a success.

Bottom line

The most important or essential point of a situation

Example

The bottom line is that we need to increase sales.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Cut a long story short” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Cut a long story short" is unknown.

Is “Cut a long story short” common in everyday conversation?

"Cut a long story short" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to quickly summarize a story or to get to the main point without going into unnecessary details.

What tone does “Cut a long story short” have?

"Cut a long story short" conveys a tone of efficiency and conciseness. It's often used when you want to save time or keep the conversation focused on the main point.

Can “Cut a long story short” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Cut a long story short" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that helps you summarize information quickly. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or business meetings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I won't bore you with all the details, but "cut a long story short", we ended up winning the competition.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Cut a long story short", we made it!' to imply a quick summary.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• summing up
• to make a long story short
• to cut to the chase
• to get straight to the point

Antonyms

• go into detail
• expand on
• tell the whole story
• provide all the information