English

Verb

make short work of

1. (transitive, idiomatic) To make (a task) quicker or easier.

   A good electric screwdriver will make short work of the disassembly process.

2. (transitive, idiomatic) To deal with or overcome (someone or something) quickly and without difficulty.
   • 1897, Maynard Barbour, The Award of Justice, ch. 26:

     "There was desperate characters here, but the vigilantes made short work of 'em."

   • 1914, James Joyce, "Counterparts" in Dubliners:

     "You impertinent ruffian! You impertinent ruffian! I'll make short work of you!"

Synonyms

• make quick work of

Translations