making a long story short
Meaning
Used to say you’ll give only the main points and skip details; in brief.
Origin
Recorded from the 1800s; it’s a straightforward meta-phrase used in storytelling to signal compression of a narrative—omitting background and jumping to the key outcome.
Notes
A common conversational signpost meaning “in brief.” Slightly informal; can be used sincerely or humorously (sometimes the speaker still goes on).
Examples
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Making a long story short, we missed the last train and had to take a taxi home.
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Making a long story short, the interview went well and I got the job.
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Making a long story short, he apologized, we talked it out, and we’re friends again.
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Making a long story short, I spilled coffee on my laptop and it stopped working.
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Making a long story short, we changed our plans and ended up staying an extra week.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Often used as a sentence opener (“Making a long story short, …”) or parenthetical (“—making a long story short—”). Fixed phrase; typically uses the gerund “making,” not “to make.”
Synonyms
- in short
- to cut a long story short
- in brief
- briefly
- long story short
Antonyms
- long story short (used similarly but without ‘making’)