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. make short shrift of
   to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

Word History and Origins

Origin of short shrift¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

How an antiquated understanding of race relations results in minority staffers getting the short shrift.

From The Daily Beast

Traditional American notion of independence, permanency and identity with neighborhood are given short shrift in this approach.

From The Daily Beast

Likely, Harold would have accepted the short shrift with his usual cynic's grace.

From The Daily Beast

More vexing than the short-shrift mentions are the flat-out omissions.

From The Daily Beast

One reason we've given the single-parenthood problem short shrift is that we lack good ideas about how to address it.

From The Daily Beast

She appears to have Irish virtue in excess, and I expect the larky would get short shrift from her.

From Project Gutenberg

A joint commission drew up a well-considered plan, but in the face of a presidential election the Senate gave it short shrift.

From Project Gutenberg

As she came back Julia heard Val in the hall dismissing poor Emmie and her piano key with short shrift.

From Project Gutenberg

Certain it is she brought her wounded brother safe home to England, and prisoners in that war usually had short shrift.

From Project Gutenberg

I would give life-interest in rotten house property short shrift by burning the festering places.

From Project Gutenberg