DEFINITIONS

long and short of it, the

The substance or gist of something, as in The first page of this report will give you the long and short of it. This expression, originally stated as the short and long of it, dates from about 1500, the present order being established by the end of the 1600s.

Content related to long and short of it, the

“Sir” And “Madam” Are Shorter Versions Of What Words?Let’s say you want to get the attention of a male clerk in the produce section of the grocery store. Would you say, “Excuse me sire, but could you please explain the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?” (For the answer to that question, read this.) Addressing a stranger as “sire” might raise an eyebrow. But if you said it, you wouldn’t necessarily …
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What Are Mr. And Mrs. Short For?When it comes to Mr and Mrs the difference is pretty clear, but what about Miss Mrs Ms? Quick answer: Ask her what she prefers — Miss Mrs or Ms?
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Words nearby long and short of it, the

lonesome, long, long abductor muscle of thumb, long account, long ago, long and short of it, the, long arm, long arm of the law, the, long axis, long barrow, long beach
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.