Short Measuring Stick

Question

What is a "short measuring stick" figuratively?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Please supply some context for this phrase.

Clive

SheltieBites · Answer

http://www.tundravision.com/2009_10_01_archive.html

"As the Packers started out 4-8, some of the negativity began to circulate again, but little of it was directed towards Ted Thompson, who again was still in "Wait and See" mode, still struggling against the alleged horrific mismanagement of the Sherman regime. Any criticism of Thompson almost automatically defaulted to the extremely short measuring stick of Mike Sherman in comparison. In fact, it almost seemed as if Thompson was being lauded for simply firing Mike Sherman."

Clive · Answer

Hi,

It's a reference to the negative relationship between these two men. But I'll leave a football fan to explain in more detail.

Clive

JohnParis · Answer

Ahh - Sports English - again.
Do you think we could have an abbreviation for this - SpE, for example?

SheltieBites, I maintain that Sports English is in a class of its own. No one uses more metaphors or allusion or figurative expressions that a sports writer. Except for, possibly, an entertainment news writer. "Pitt pounds weekend with M-Ball receipts*." Translation: Brad Pitt earned a lot of money for his film Moneyball on the first weekend it was shown in theaters across the USA.

Basically, what the writer is saying here is that when comparing Thompson with Sherman, Thompson can't be judged by the poor performance of Sherman. There is no comparison. Sherman's performance was so poor that measuring Thompson's performance against it would not be possible.

*Variety

SheltieBites · Answer

So, "short measuring stick" = low standards?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Note that it's not a standard or common idiom.
I've never heard it before.

Clive

Short Measuring Stick

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