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

While Putin has condemned Soviet-era crimes, authorities typically downplay them and the victims of repression are often given short shrift in history textbooks.

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Such questions get distinctly short shrift in the dominant political narratives.

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Instead of the typical rock-star tale that relives the glory days and gives short shrift to the rest, the former Black Sabbath frontman chose to lay bare his recent medical struggles in grisly detail.

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

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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.

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