The difference between In a nutshell and The long and short
In a nutshell is also adverb with the meaning: in summary.
The long and short is also noun with the meaning: the gist.
check bellow for the other definitions of In a nutshell and The long and short
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In a nutshell as an adverb (idiomatic):
In summary; briefly or simply.
Examples:
"He had a lot to say, but his answer, in a nutshell, was no."
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The long and short as a noun (usually followed by [[of]]):
The gist; the essence or substance; the most important or salient features.
Examples:
"The speech went on for hours, but the long and short of it is that not much has changed since last year."