Meaning
Little time, attention, sympathy or consideration given to someone or something. Usually occurs with give, get or receive. The modern sense does not refer to confession. Regional use: Origin in English drama and religious vocabulary; now international English.
Origin
Shrift was confession and absolution after penance. In Richard III, written around 1592-94, Lord Hastings is allowed only a 'short shrift' before immediate execution, and this is the earliest known phrase citation. The modern figurative sense of curt dismissal or inadequate consideration is substantially later, but it grows transparently from that compressed final confession.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- A short shrift
- Get short shrift
- Give short shrift to
Usage Examples
- The panel gave short shrift to evidence that contradicted its timetable.
- Complaints about the noise received short shrift from management.
- Any proposal without costings will get short shrift at the review.