Culips Everyday English Podcast

Catch Word #290 – Make short work of it

11 snips
Jan 14, 2026
Discover two essential idioms for talking about speed: 'make short work of something' and 'in short order.' Learn how to use these phrases in everyday and professional situations, from tackling chores to handling client requests. Hear engaging examples, including a fun dog-dinner story and a hotel receptionist at work. Get tips on sounding natural and polite while discussing quick results. This exploration of casual and business English will elevate your vocabulary to new heights!
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ADVICE

Use "Make Short Work Of" For Fast Finishes

  • Use "make short work of" to describe finishing tasks much faster than expected.
  • Apply it to chores, work tasks, or even eating to sound more natural and fluent.
ANECDOTE

Dog Dinner Sparks The Lesson

  • Andrew tells a story about his dog eating dinner extremely quickly to illustrate the phrase.
  • The friend commented, "she really made short work of that," linking anecdote to usage.
INSIGHT

Idioms Add Flavor To English

  • Native phrases add flavor and make your English sound more fluent than plain words like "really quickly."
  • Learning idioms helps you communicate precise meanings with fewer words.
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