short shrift

American  

noun

1. little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter.

   She'll give short shrift to such a weak argument.

2. a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before their execution.

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short shrift British  

noun

1. brief and unsympathetic treatment

2. (formerly) a brief period allowed to a condemned prisoner to make confession

3. to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

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Etymology

Origin of short shrift

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Mr. Brown gives short shrift to Roosevelt’s unparalleled record on the conservation of public land.

From The Wall Street Journal

Known for not suffering fools gladly while on air and giving some callers short shrift, he was once satirised in Private Eye.

From BBC

Early surveys of opinion after the Budget give Reeves's plans short shrift.

From BBC

The EU were given short shrift by major producers.

From BBC

Smith’s activist career gets fairly short shrift in the movie, although it’s an important facet of her recent life.

From Salon