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make short work of

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌmeɪk ˌʃɔrt ˈwɝk əv/ · UK /ˌmeɪk ˌʃɔːt ˈwɜːk əv/

make short work of means: To finish a task quickly and easily.

verb

FINISH QUICKLYB2

To finish a task quickly and easily.

  • We made short work of the washing.
  • Sharp scissors make short work of thick cardboard.
  • With everyone helping, we’ll make short work of packing.

How to use it: make short work of something (This machine makes short work of washing large rugs.)

Similar words: finish quickly, get through quickly

Common phrases: make short work of something, make short work of cleaning

DEFEAT QUICKLYB2

To defeat someone or remove a problem quickly and easily.

  • Our team made short work of theirs.
  • The cleaner made short work of the stubborn stains.
  • Can the new treatment make short work of these germs?

How to use it: make short work of someone/something (The champion made short work of her opponent.)

Similar words: defeat easily, overcome quickly

Common phrases: make short work of someone, make short work of stains

Questions about make short work of

What does make short work of mean?

To finish a task quickly and easily.

What is make short work of in other languages?

Türkçe: çabucak halletmek · Español: despachar rápidamente · Français: expédier · Deutsch: schnell erledigen · Italiano: sbrigare in fretta · 日本語: 手早く片付ける

How do you pronounce make short work of?

In American English /ˌmeɪk ˌʃɔrt ˈwɝk əv/; in British English /ˌmeɪk ˌʃɔːt ˈwɜːk əv/.

How do you use make short work of in a sentence?

We made short work of the washing. Sharp scissors make short work of thick cardboard.

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make short work of in other languages

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