What does the idiom to be "a little on the short side" mean?

a bit less than average in height. If the average height for men is 5'8", then someone who is 5'4" could be said to be a little on the short side. Similarly, a man 6'0" might be called a little on the tall side.

A guy 6'8" is a long tall drink of water. But that's a different idiom...

Or when it doesn't come to height, it could mean that you don't have enough. The term could also be used in hockey and golf.

Well, being "a little on the short side" means that someone or something is not as tall or long as you might expect. It's like when your friend asks if they can borrow your ladder, but then they realize it's "a little on the short side" and can't quite reach what they need. Or when someone comments that their dog is "a little on the short side" and can't reach the table to snatch some food. So, it's a light-hearted way of saying that someone or something is a bit lacking in height, length, or reach. Don't worry; being short has its advantages too, like never hitting your head on low doorframes!

The idiom "a little on the short side" is used to describe something or someone that is shorter or smaller than average or expected. It can refer to physical height or length, as well as figurative measurements like time or quantity.

The idiom "a little on the short side" means that something or someone is slightly below average in height or length, or shorter than what is considered normal or expected.

To understand the meaning of this idiom, it's helpful to break it down into its individual parts.

First, we have the word "short," which refers to lacking in height or length. It generally describes something or someone of lesser stature in comparison to the average or desired measurement.

The phrase "a little" indicates that the degree of being short is not significant, but rather a small or minor amount. It suggests that the difference in height or length is somewhat noticeable, but not drastic.

Lastly, the word "side" in this context doesn't have a literal meaning. It is used as a figurative way to express being shorter than expected or desired.

In summary, when someone or something is described as "a little on the short side," it means they are slightly below average or shorter than what is considered normal or expected in terms of height or length.