short with

short with (one)

Curt or abrupt when speaking or reacting to one. I'm sorry for getting short with you earlier. I've had a lot on my mind lately, and I didn't sleep well last night. Please don't be short with the children like that. They're just asking you questions.
See also: short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*short with someone

abrupt and a little bit rude in speaking to a person. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; get ~.) Please don't be short with me. I am doing the best that I can.
See also: short
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • short with (one)
  • get short with (one)
  • be short with (one)
  • a mind like a sieve
  • as for
  • as for somebody/something
  • (Do you) know what I mean?
  • closefisted
  • closefisted (with money)
  • be (as) thin as a rail
References in classic literature
Nicholas was short with curly hair and an open expression.
War and Peace
We don't want to be short with you, but we totes don't like this.
GROOMED & DOOMED; short suits
Whereas, in France (for example), there is a tendency toward the serious long-form short with dramatic storytelling, Australian film-makers seem inclined toward the five minute gag or 'clever idea' film with the cute twist at the end.
The long and the short of it: European against Australian attitudes toward short films and their makers. (Documentary, Short Film And History)