cut vs. reduce vs. snip vs. curtail

[Zilanow]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #55 "Hear my Story", question 6

To ......... a long story short, I'll come straight to the point and tell you exactly what happened.

(a) cut
(b) reduce
(c) snip
(d) curtail

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #55 "Hear my Story", answer 6

To cut a long story short, I'll come straight to the point and tell you exactly what happened.

Correct answer: (a) cut
_________________________

what's different between these verbs?

zilanow

[Mister Micawber]

.
The - DICTIONARY will give you the definitions, with examples, of all these verbs, but the point here is that 'to cut a long story/tale short' is a fixed expression, so only 'cut' will serve.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's