phrase🎓 English idiom

long story short

to summarize quickly

What it means

Used to introduce a brief summary of events, skipping the lengthy details. It signals that the speaker is getting straight to the outcome or main point.

Examples

  • Long story short, the flight was cancelled and we drove home instead.
  • We had a few problems with the supplier, but long story short, it's all sorted now.
  • Long story short, she got the promotion she had worked so hard for.
  • To make a long story short, we lost the keys and missed the show.

Where it comes from

A condensed form of the older phrase "to make a long story short," in common use since at least the 19th century.

Related idioms

#cut to the chase#beat around the bush#read between the lines#off the top of my head

🎓 Think you know your idioms?

Take the English Idioms Test — 20 terms, instant result, no signup.

Take the test

Built by the team behind Deep In.