shrift

short shrift

a brief period of consideration of a person's ideas or explanations. They gave the reporter short shrift and got him out of the office. My plan got short shrift from the board—a ten-minute presentation; they then voted it down.

See also: short

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give somebody/something short shrift

to give very little attention to someone or something, either because you are not interested in them or because you are annoyed with them (usually passive) A planning application for a new nightclub in the town centre was given short shrift by the council. Sue gave Robert short shrift when he turned up drunk for her party.

See also: give, short

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get short shrift

to receive very little attention Bus riders feel they've been getting short shrift from the transit agency for years, and they are angry about the new fare increase.

See also: get, short

give somebody/something short shrift also give short shrift to somebody/something

to give very little attention to someone or something Many historians have given women short shrift or ignored their role in events altogether. The town council gave short shrift to the suggestion to establish a homeless shelter.

See also: give, short