short answer

Usually the questioner is looking for a certain and short answer to what, in their mind, ought to be a black or white issue.

The short answer is yes—the social and intellectual authority of churches is a shadow of what it once was.

The short answer is: because Silvio Berlusconi chose not to―presumably in solidarity with Israel.

The short answer is a breakdown in the party's ability to govern itself.

The short answer is yes: we can indeed save lives and maybe even reduce property damage.

The short answer did not please the young mother; neither did the dreamy tone in which it was spoken.

Dined at home, and there came Mrs. Goldsborough about her old business, but I did give her a short answer and sent away.

The English commander, tired of false speech, gave a short answer, refusing flatly to let the Indians in.

It was a short answer, but to a woman's ear worth a whole series of protestations.

After a little pause, Mrs. Gallilee accepted her son's short answer—with a sudden submission which had a meaning of its own.