- Meaning
- This idiom means to summarize or explain something concisely, capturing the essence in a few words, as if fitting it into a nutshell. It is used to introduce or conclude brief, clear explanations, often in conversational, professional, or educational contexts, carrying a straightforward, efficient tone. The phrase reflects cultural values of brevity and clarity, emphasizing the ability to distill complex ideas into simple terms, and is often used to signal a quick, no-nonsense overview of a situation or idea.
- Origin
- The phrase originates from ancient Rome, with Pliny the Elder’s *Natural History* (77 CE) describing a mythical Iliad written so small it could fit in a nutshell. In English, it appeared in the 16th century, with William Shakespeare’s *Hamlet* (1600) using ‘I could be bounded in a nutshell’ for confinement. The modern form, meaning concise summary, emerged in the 19th century, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *A Tale of Two Cities* (1859). Its use grew in American English during the 20th century, particularly in journalism and business, and the phrase’s vivid imagery and practical utility ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures.
- Variants
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- In a nutshell
- Put it in a nutshell
- In a nut shell
- Sum it up in a nutshell
- Examples
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- In a nutshell, the project failed due to poor planning and lack of funds.
- Put it in a nutshell: we need more staff to meet the deadline.
- In a nut shell, she’s moving abroad for a better job opportunity.
- Sum it up in a nutshell—our sales are down because of the new competitor.
- In a nutshell, the book argues that technology shapes our social habits.
- He explained the theory in a nutshell, making it easy for everyone to grasp.
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