Idioms

in a nutshell

This page is about the idiom in a nutshell

INFORMAL

Meaning

You can say "in a nutshell" if you're about to describe something as briefly as possible, or you're going to sum something up.

For example

  • It's a very complex situation, but the problem is, in a nutshell, a lack of sales.

  • The president's in trouble and the reason, in a nutshell, is that people no longer trust him.

Quick Quiz

I'll give you the story in a nutshell because

a. you need to know everything

b. we don't have much time

c. it'll make it more interesting
a) you need to know everything b) we don't have much time c) it'll make it more interesting

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey