What does “The long and short” mean?
"The long and short" means the main points or the essential details.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Let me give you the long and short of the situation.
Example
I'll cut to the chase and tell you the long and short of it.
Example
In the long and short of things, it all comes down to money
Is “The long and short” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The long and 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 “The long and short” effectively in context?
You can use "The long and short" to provide a concise summary or the main points of a situation. It is often used when you want to give someone a quick overview without going into too much detail. For example, if someone asks for an explanation of a complex issue, you might say, 'Let me give you the long and short of it: the company is facing financial difficulties and needs to make some tough decisions.'
- 1Explaining a Situation
Let me give you the long and short of the situation.
- 2Getting to the Point
I'll cut to the chase and tell you the long and short of it.
- 3Summarizing
In the long and short of things, it all comes down to money.
Similar phrases to “The long and short”:
In a nutshell
In summary; briefly
Example
In a nutshell, the project was a success.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The long and short” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The long and short" is unknown.
Is “The long and short” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "The long and short" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to provide a brief summary or the essential details of a situation.
What tone does “The long and short” have?
"The long and short" conveys a neutral tone. It is a straightforward expression that is used to convey information concisely.
Can “The long and short” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "The long and short" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations, presentations, or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Let me give you the long and short of the situation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'So, "the long and short" is...' to imply a summary or conclusion.
