a short, sharp shock

short, sharp shock

informal Primarily heard in UK, Australia.

1. A sudden and severe measure or punishment utilized to produce a quick and effective result. It is clear now that the policy of punishing young offenders with a short, sharp shock is much less effective than education and emotional training. The austerity measures were meant to be a short, sharp shock that would save the economy from a calamitous crash.

2. An experience that is brief but intense. Our latest recipe gives a short, sharp shock of flavor that dissipates into a more mellow, long-lasting taste.

See also: sharp, shock

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a short, sharp shock

BRITISH

A short, sharp shock is a punishment that is severe but only lasts for a short time. Many parents believe that a short sharp shock is at times necessary for naughty children.

See also: sharp, shock

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012