Make short work of Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈʃɔɹt/ /ˈwɝk/ /ˈəv
MAYK SHORT WURK uhv
mˈeɪk/ /ʃˈɔːt/ /wˈɜːk/ /ˈɒv
mayk SHAWRK WURK ov
Definition
To finish something quickly and easily, often with little effort. Commonly used when someone deals with a task, problem, or meal much faster than usual.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, idiomatic phrase. Most often used for small tasks, meals, or challenges that might be expected to take longer. Not used for very serious issues. Often followed by 'something', e.g., 'He made short work of the exam.'
Spanish: terminar rápido con - despachar rápido (tarea, problema)Portuguese (BR): resolver rápido - acabar logo com - despachar rápido (algo)Portuguese (PT): resolver rapidamente - despachar rápido (algo)Chinese (Simplified): 迅速解决 - 很快完成Chinese (Traditional): 迅速解決 - 很快完成Hindi: जल्दी निपटाना - जल्दी लेनाArabic: ينجز بسرعة - ينهي بسرعةBengali: তাড়াতাড়ি শেষ করা - এক চটকিতে শেষ করাRussian: быстро справиться - расправиться (с чем-либо)Japanese: 手早く片付ける - あっという間に終わらせるVietnamese: làm xong nhanh chóng - giải quyết nhanh gọnKorean: 금방 끝내다 - 단숨에 해치우다Turkish: çabucak bitirmek - hemen halletmekUrdu: فوری طور پر ختم کرنا - جلدی نمٹا دیناIndonesian: menyelesaikan dengan cepat - menghabiskan dengan mudah
Example Sentences
She made short work of her homework.
basic
The dog made short work of its food.
basic
We made short work of the cleaning.
basic
He made short work of the puzzle—it only took him five minutes.
natural
They made short work of dinner—there’s nothing left!
natural
If you give her a problem, she’ll make short work of it.
natural