in a nutshell
1
used to summarize or describe something briefly
The idiom "in a nutshell" originates from an ancient anecdote attributed to the Greek philosopher Pliny the Elder, who lived in the first century AD. According to the story, Pliny the Elder claimed that the entire Iliad by Homer could fit into a nutshell, implying that a complex or lengthy narrative could be summarized concisely. This anecdote later evolved into the expression we use today to mean providing a brief and condensed summary of something.
- The movie, in a nutshell, is about a group of friends who embark on an adventurous journey.
- In a nutshell, the company's new strategy focuses on expanding into emerging markets.
- His argument, in a nutshell, is that technology has improved communication but reduced face-to-face interaction.
- In a nutshell, the project aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- In a nutshell, the training program provides employees with essential skills and knowledge.