Short instructions (5)
I believe the answer is:
brief
'short instructions' is the definition.
'brief' can be an answer for 'short' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'instructions' bit.
'short instructions' is the wordplay.
'short' means to remove the last letter.
'instructions' becomes 'briefs' (I've seen this before).
'briefs' with its last letter taken off is 'BRIEF'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for brief that I've seen before include "Short or concise" , "description of Macbeth's candle" , "Provide someone with the facts of the case" , "Solicitor" , "scanty" .)