In a nutshell Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnətˌʃɛɫ
IN-uh-NUHT-shel
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /nˈʌtʃɛl
in-uh-NUT-shel
Definition
This expression means giving the most important points or a summary in just a few words.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both spoken and written English, mostly informal or semi-formal. Often at the start or end of a summary: 'In a nutshell, ...'. Not for detailed explanations. Similar to 'to sum up' but more casual and idiomatic.
Spanish: en pocas palabras - en resumenPortuguese (BR): resumindo - em poucas palavrasPortuguese (PT): resumidamente - em poucas palavrasChinese (Simplified): 简而言之 - 总之Chinese (Traditional): 簡而言之 - 總之Hindi: संक्षेप में - कुल मिलाकरArabic: باختصار - بإيجازBengali: সংক্ষেপে - মূল কথা বলতেRussian: коротко говоря - в двух словахJapanese: 要するに - 一言で言えばVietnamese: nói ngắn gọn - tóm lạiKorean: 간단히 말해서 - 한 마디로Turkish: kısacası - özetleUrdu: مختصر یہ کہ - خلاصہ یہ کہIndonesian: singkatnya - intinya
Example Sentences
In a nutshell, the project was a big success.
basic
He told the story in a nutshell.
basic
Can you explain it in a nutshell?
basic
So, in a nutshell, we need more time and money.
natural
In a nutshell, she wasn’t interested.
natural
Long story short, or in a nutshell, I got the job.
natural