in brief

Idioms  

1. Also, in short; in a word. Concisely, in few words, to sum up. All three phrases usually precede or follow a summary statement, as in In brief, we didn't get much out of his speech, or There was no agenda; in short, they could discuss whatever they wanted to, or The sun was shining, the sky was clear—in a word, it was a beautiful day. The first expression dates from the early 1400s; in short dates from the 1300s but the present usage dates from the 1700s; the hyperbolic in a word (since there is nearly always more than one word) dates from the late 1500s.

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Example Sentences

Warsh said little that was specific about how he will approach the nuts and bolts of Fed policy in brief remarks following the swearing in.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

But, in brief remarks after an afternoon White House meeting, Trump appeared pleased.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In wet winters, the valleys beyond town awaken in color as sand verbena, desert sunflower, evening primrose and pincushion gather in brief, luminous blooms across the desert floor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Still, she has been tracking the strike from afar, and speaking in brief bursts with sources inside the country.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

Other times in brief moments in my dreams.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat