short, sharp shock


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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. © 2022 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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