make short/quick/light work of

idiom

1

: to make it possible for (something) to be done quickly or easily

This new snow shovel makes short work of clearing off the driveway.

2

: to finish (something) or defeat (someone) quickly and easily

She made short work of her opponents.

The kids made quick work of the french fries.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In the quarterfinals, Brazil will be expected to make short work of an aging Croatia. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2022

Ukraine will make short work of them, we were told on a Zoom call with the mayor of the neighboring city of Mykolaiv. —Greg Palkot, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2022

This is a no-stress car to drive in a variety of environments, cushioned and sophisticated for the city street crawl, small enough to park, and yet ready and willing to switch modes—easily, with a dial on the steering wheel—and make short work of long straights and rising twisties. —Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 16 July 2021

Watching Hyperion make short work of Galactus, and Dr. Spectrum (Green Lantern) take out Thanos, well ... that's just fun. —Andrew A. Smith Tribune News Service, Star Tribune, 14 June 2021

All have their merits and make short work of the catch. —Washington Post, 21 May 2021

These handy devices make short work of bite-sized tree chunks into something your stove or fireplace can easily digest without having to work up too much of a sweat. —The Editors, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2020

Shopping for a smart robot vacuum that will make short work of dust, dirt and other debris that has accumulated on your floors? —Shayna Murphy, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2020

The Lions were able to make short work of Baldwin County in the sixth inning with six runs to complete a mercy-rule victory. —Evan Dudley, al, 23 Apr. 2023

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