Sunday, March 25, 2018

meaning - What does "in a nut shell" mean in this context?


I know what a nut shell is:


a walnut shell


But what is its meaning in this sentence:



In a nut shell I'm trapped mentally and physically.




In this a common expression? Does it mean that he's closed in himself?



Answer



This is quite a common expression. This is similar to saying ... in short... But I understand that the confusion is due to nut shell and trap. He's not trapped into the nutshell!


TheFreeDictionary has an entry for that and it is an idiomatic way to say that.



in a nutshell - In a few words; concisely



So, he's not fitting himself into that little space but comprising the matter that might fit well into it! :) Said that, he's telling something in short without adding much explanation.


It's often used when you don't want to get into a long description or explanation.



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