make a long story short
Meaning
To summarize briefly and skip details; to get to the main point quickly.
Origin
Recorded from the 19th century; built on the common metaphor of “shortening” a narrative by cutting details to reach the point.
Notes
A conversational signal that you’re summarizing and skipping details. Mildly informal; implies the full story is longer but not necessary now. Less suited to formal writing.
Examples
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To make a long story short, we missed the flight and had to drive overnight.
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Make a long story short: the deal fell through, and we’re back to square one.
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I could explain all the details, but to make a long story short, the project is delayed.
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To make a long story short, she apologized, and we agreed to start over.
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Make a long story short, I left my wallet at home and couldn’t pay for lunch.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase often used as a sentence opener or parenthetical: “To make a long story short, …” Also common without “to”: “Make a long story short, …”. Rarely altered.
Synonyms
- in short
- long story short
- to cut a long story short
- to make a long story short
- to sum up
Antonyms
- go into detail
- give the full story
- tell a long story