What does short shrift mean?

"Short shrift" means to give someone or something little attention, time, or consideration. It implies a lack of respect or a dismissal of importance.

Examples:

* "The teacher gave the student's excuse short shrift."

* "The company's proposal was given short shrift by the investors."

* "The boss gave the employee's complaint short shrift."

Origin:

The phrase is thought to come from the old English practice of "shriving," which was the confession of sins to a priest. To give someone "short shrift" meant that they had very little time to confess their sins before their execution.