short shrift

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.

short shrift

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of short shrift¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Loyal to the “war on terror” brand, the American media establishment gave remarkably short shrift to concerns about civilian deaths and suffering.

From Salon

Baxter firmly believed no presenter was bigger than the programme and gave short shrift to any of them who she felt had fallen below the standards she expected.

From BBC

While I always appreciate a fruitful exercise in accountability, it’s a huge problem that local media like the New York Daily News shamefully gave those matters short shrift to endorse Cuomo.

From Salon

But the fate of Palestinian people and the war in Gaza, where the dead are piling up in recent days under an Israeli onslaught, appears to have received short shrift.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an evocative through line, to be sure, but it’s given short shrift, and doesn’t end up having the emotional or political impact that it might have.

From Los Angeles Times