Definition & Meaning of "sell somebody or something short"

What is the origin of the idiom "sell someone or something short" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "sell someone or something short" is closely tied to financial and trading terminology. In stock trading and financial markets, the term "short selling" refers to a practice where an investor sells an asset (like a stock) that they do not currently own, hoping to buy it back at a lower price in the future. This practice involves betting that the asset's value will decrease. It often arises in discussions involving judgments, assessments, or decisions where it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the full extent of someone's capabilities or the true value of something.