to-cut-a-long-story-short
/tə kʌt ə lɒŋ ˈstɔː.ri ʃɔːt/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
Used before you give the main point after leaving out many details. It means you are making a long story shorter.
- To cut a long story short, we missed the train.
- To cut a long story short, she got the job.
- To cut a long story short, the meeting was cancelled.
Adinary Nuance
Use this phrase when you want to skip details and move quickly to the main point. It is close to "in short" and "to make a long story short," but it sounds more conversational. Writers use it in speech-like writing, stories, and informal explanation. It is not for very formal academic style.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Nói ngắn gọn
- Spanish
- En resumen
- Chinese
- 长话短说
- Japanese
- 手短に言うと
- Korean
- 짧게 말하면
Etymology
This phrase became common in English as a spoken way to signal a summary. It uses ordinary words, but the fixed order gives it idiomatic meaning.
Common phrases
to cut a long story shortcutting a long story shortto put it simply
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "to cut a long story short" formal or informal?
- It is mostly informal and conversational. It also appears in speech-like writing.
- What is the difference between "to cut a long story short" and "in short"?
- "To cut a long story short" is more conversational. "In short" sounds a little more direct and neutral.
- Can I use this phrase in IELTS speaking?
- Yes, if you are summarising clearly. Use it naturally, not too often.
- Does this phrase need a full story before it?
- Usually, yes. It works best when you are skipping extra details.