To make the story short

[Anna232]

Can I say "to make the story short" or should it be used with "long"?

"To make the (long) story short, I moved there when I was younger and I had no idea I would stay there until my late thirties."
When adding more information "sorry, I said I would make the story short and I didn't" should I add "long" again?

 

[tedmc]

"To make/cut a long story short" or just "long story short" is a set phrase/idiom.
It sounds better with "long" but it is understood without it.

 

[emsr2d2]

In BrE, "To cut a long story short" is used. I've heard a couple of people use "make" instead of "cut" but it sounds very odd to me! Note that we use the indefinite article not the definite article.

 

[emsr2d2]

Can I say "to make the story short" or should it be used with "long"?

"To make cut the a long story short, I moved there when I was younger and I had no idea I would stay there until my late thirties."
When adding more information, such as "Sorry, I said I would make the story short and I didn't", should I add "long" again?

In BrE, "To cut a long story short" is used. I've heard a couple of people use "make" instead of "cut" but it sounds very odd to me! Note that we use the indefinite article not the definite article.
Once you've said the phrase, you don't need to repeat it.
I've underlined "younger" because it makes no sense. There is no referent and it's pointless. Of course you were younger than you are now when you moved! Everything you've ever done in your life was done when you were younger than you are right now. You should either say "when I was young" or "when I was [age]".

 

[SoothingDave]

In Ame, we make long stories short.

We cut to the chase.