short of (something)

short of (something)

1. In short supply of something; not having enough of something. I was a bit short of cash, so I couldn't go with them to the movie. I was just starting to print out the contract when I realized I was short of paper.
2. Less than or below something (in quality). Nothing short of a miracle can save the company now. My father expects nothing short of perfection from me.
3. Approaching but not actually doing or being something. She told him how much she cared for him, but stopped short of saying "I love you."
4. Besides or excluding something. Short of issuing him a formal warning, there's nothing we can legally do at the moment.
See also: of, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

short of something

not having enough of something. I wanted to bake a cake, but I was short of eggs. Usually at the end of the month, I'm short of money.
See also: of, short
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

short of

1. Having an inadequate supply of, as in We're short of cash right now. [Late 1600s] Also see fall short of.
2. Less than, inferior to, as in Nothing short of her best effort was needed to make the team. [Mid-1500s]
3. Other than, without resorting to, as in Short of yelling, I had no other way of getting his attention.
4. See stop short, def. 3.
See also: of, short
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

short of something/of doing something

without something or without doing something; unless something happens: Short of a miracle, we’re certain to lose. Short of asking her to leave (= and we don’t want to do that), there’s not a lot we can do about the situation.
See also: of, short, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

short of

1. Having an inadequate supply of: We're short of cash.
2. Less than: Nothing short of her best effort was required to make the team.
3. Other than; without resorting to: Short of yelling at him, I had no other way to catch his attention.
4. Not quite willing to undertake or do; just this side of: She stopped short of throwing out the old photo.
See also: of, short
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • short of
  • short of something/of doing something
  • be short of (something)
  • fall short (of), to
  • come short of
  • come short of (something)
  • for short
  • short on (something) (and long on something else)
  • mushroom into
  • mushroom into (something)