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.
Examples of make short/quick/light work of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And Who Could Play That Character Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), who started the show off as a drifter who landed in Ransom Canyon to try and make quick work of getting close to one Cap Fuller (James Brolin).
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
This system will make short work of any conceivable task.
—PC Magazine, 12 May 2025
Led by Christian’s childhood friend Justine (she’s played by Allison Robertson; her voice, with its proper British pinkie-up diction, is provided by Alison Wright), these kids make short work of solving every logistical puzzle Christian and Marybeth toss their way.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
Any of these pieces of equipment in the hands of a skilled operator should be able to make quick work of an average-sized stump.
—Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make short/quick/light work of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
This system will make short work of any conceivable task.
—PC Magazine, 12 May 2025
Led by Christian’s childhood friend Justine (she’s played by Allison Robertson; her voice, with its proper British pinkie-up diction, is provided by Alison Wright), these kids make short work of solving every logistical puzzle Christian and Marybeth toss their way.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
Any of these pieces of equipment in the hands of a skilled operator should be able to make quick work of an average-sized stump.
—Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make short/quick/light work of
Cite this Entry
“Make short/quick/light work of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20short%2Fquick%2Flight%20work%20of. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share