short, sharp shock


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short sharp shock

A fast, severe punishment. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. He needs a short sharp shock to persuade him to change his ways and give up that life of crime.
See also: sharp, shock, short

short, sharp shock

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 financial bailout was meant to be a short, sharp shock to the economy, but the country's sluggish recovery has meant it's been in place for far longer than intended.
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. © 2015 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

short, sharp shock

1 a brief but harsh custodial sentence imposed on offenders in an attempt to discourage them from committing further offences. 2 a severe measure taken in order to effect quick results.
The Home Secretary William Whitelaw advocated the short sharp shock as a form of corrective treatment for young offenders at the 1979 Conservative Party Conference; the deterrent value of such a regime was to be its severity rather than the length of time served.
See also: sharp, shock
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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WHAT your brother needs is to be caught, preferably by your parents, and given a short, sharp shock. If he keeps getting away with theft, he won't stop.
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