What does the phrase "short of" mean?

Question

For example "It is nothing short of devastating."

"Can withstand damage short of a nuclear explosion."

Answer 1

It essentially means "less than" and is a way of expressing a strong opinion.

"It is nothing short of devastating." In other words, it is not less than devastating. It's not just sad or unfortunate; it is absolutely devastating.

"Can withstand damage short of a nuclear explosion." In other words... can withstand damage less than a nuclear explosion. Only a nuclear catastrophe could destroy it.