in a nutshell

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiom

   Used to introduce a very short summary of something that is more complicated.

   Grammar: Comes at the start or end of a sentence, set off by a comma: In a nutshell, we lost.

   Patterns

   • in a nutshell, ...
   • to put it in a nutshell

   In a nutshell, the plan failed because we ran out of money.

   Here is the story in a nutshell: she moved, got a new job, and loved it.

   To put it in a nutshell, the new rule means everyone arrives earlier.

Common combinations

put it in a nutshell

To put it in a nutshell, the trip was a disaster.

the story in a nutshell

That is the story in a nutshell.

in a nutshell, ...

In a nutshell, I need more time.

explain in a nutshell

Can you explain the rule in a nutshell?

sum up in a nutshell

I'll sum up the meeting in a nutshell.

Synonyms and how they differ

in short

In short is slightly more formal and plain, with no image attached.

briefly

Briefly is a single neutral adverb and can introduce any short statement.

to sum up

To sum up is used when concluding a longer talk, whereas in a nutshell can come at the start.

in essence

In essence points to the central idea rather than just a short version.

Opposites

Word family

nutshell noun

the hard outer case of a nut

nut noun

a hard-shelled seed

shell noun

a hard outer covering

Commonly confused: in a nutshell or in a nut shell?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in a nutshell”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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