Make a long story short

Definitions

• To summarize a long or detailed story or explanation
  Used when someone is trying to shorten a story or explanation to a more concise version

Examples of Make a long story short

• Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks along the way, our team managed to achieve success in the end. It was a long and winding road, but we persevered and emerged victorious. However, I don't want to bore you with all the details - let's make a long story short and focus on the key takeaways.

  This idiom is used when summarizing a lengthy story or explanation in a concise and straightforward manner. It implies that the details can be condensed without losing the essential points. In other words, it's a way of saying that we can provide a brief and focused overview of a complex or involved situation.

Conclusion

This idiom typically implies that the speaker is trying to save time or get to the main point of their story. It can also be used sarcastically to indicate that the speaker has already told a long story and is now trying to summarize it quickly.

Origin of "Make a long story short"

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greece, where storytellers were known for their long and elaborate tales. In fact, the Greek philosopher Plato was known for his belief that a story should be concise and to the point, stating "brevity is the soul of wit." However, the phrase in its current form is believed to have originated in the 19th century, with variations such as "long and short of it" and "short story long" being used in literature and conversation.

The idiom gained popularity in the 20th century and is now a commonly used phrase in everyday language. It is often used in informal settings to quickly summarize a long story or explanation, and can also be used in a humorous or ironic manner. Overall, the idiom "make a long story short" reflects the human desire for brevity and the importance of getting to the main point without wasting time or words.