(of an electrical circuit) a malfunction where electricity flows through an unintended path of low resistance, often causing damage

(literary) to waylay or hold someone up on the road; to engage in highway robbery

a shorter route or a more direct way of getting somewhere

an illegal or dishonest way of making a living

(slang) to have a brain fart; to act foolishly or be unable to think straight, as if one's brain had a short circuit