The phrase in a nutshell means “in brief” or “to summarize;” this phrase normally comes before an explanation or a definition:
In a nutshell, physics is the study of matter and energy.
Tell me about your idea, in a nutshell.
In a nutshell, evolution is about adaptation.
Nutshells are small but contain everything a nut needs to become a tree. Therefore they make a good metaphor for a small but complete explanation.
This is an old metaphor. The great Roman historian Pliny the Elder used the metaphor to describe Homer’s epic poem The Iliad—although Homer’s poem is not at all short. Pliny was saying that The Iliad basically contains everything of human importance.
Later, the phrase was used to convey the idea of “something very small.” However, the phrase was not used to mean “In a few words,” as it is now, until the 19th Century.
More Examples of “In a Nutshell” Used in a Sentence
- In a nutshell, I think that we need to put more effort into this project.
- In a nutshell, investors reacted to the stronger dollar and growing political uncertainty.
- What is the plan in a nutshell?
- That, in a nutshell, is Wisconsin football.
- In a nutshell, it means AI digital literacy should be top of mind.