by a long way: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by a long way’ mean?
The idiom "by a long way" means to win or be better than all others by a large margin or distance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "quite a bit" means a large or significant amount. It is often used to emphasize the extent or quantity of something.
The idiom "every inch" means completely or in every possible way. It emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of a person or thing.
The idiom "edge out" means to narrowly defeat, surpass, or outdo someone or something, usually by a small margin or by using one's advantages or skills.
The idiom "down the road" means in the future or at a later time.
An idiom meaning to outdo or surpass someone's accomplishment or action.
The idiom "do someone one better" is often used in colloquial speech and is derived from the broader phrase "one-upping." It implies a sense of competitive spirit and a desire to excel beyond what has already been accomplished.
The idiom "cut a wide swath" means to have a significant influence or impact. It is often used to describe someone who stands out or makes a strong impression in a particular situation.
One idiom that has become quite popular in the English language is "cut a wide swath." This idiom has a rich history and has been used in various contexts over the years.
The idiom "country mile" means a very long distance or a significant difference. It originated from the idea that country areas are vast and distances are greater compared to urban areas.
The idiom "come a long way" means to have made significant progress or improvement, often referring to personal growth or development over time.
The idiom "by no stretch of the imagination" means that something is absolutely impossible or implausible to imagine or believe.
The idiom "by no stretch of imagination" means that something is impossible or highly unlikely to be true or possible based on one's imagination or perception.
The Extensive Difference
The idiom "by a long way" is most commonly used in British English. It is an adverbial phrase that means "by a large margin" or "by far". The idiom emphasizes the extent or degree of something and is often applied to comparisons, indicating a clear superiority of one thing over another. The origin of the idiom is not widely documented, but it likely derived from the concept of physical distance, with "a long way" referring to a significant distance.
When using the idiom "by a long way", it is important to note that it is primarily used in British English and may not be as commonplace in American English. However, due to the global nature of communication, idioms from various English-speaking regions can be encountered and understood in different contexts.
For instance, the related idiom "by a long shot" carries a similar meaning. It is used to indicate that something is very unlikely or far from the truth. This idiom highlights the difference between the expected outcome and the actual result. An example sentence using this idiom could be, "He thought he had a chance of winning, but he lost by a long shot."
Another related idiom is "by far". This expression is used to emphasize that something is by a great amount or to a significant degree. It is often used when comparing two or more things and indicating a clear distinction between them. An example sentence using "by far" could be, "This restaurant is by far my favorite in the city."
In contemporary usage, "by a long way" is often seen in sports and competitive contexts, describing a significant lead or victory. It can be used to highlight the distance or margin by which someone has surpassed their competitors. For example, one might say "She won the race by a long way" to indicate that the winning margin was substantial.
Similarly, in the realm of business or politics, "by a long way" can imply a clear advantage or dominance in a particular area or situation. It emphasizes that one party or entity is far ahead of others in terms of success, influence, or capability.
Overall, the idiom "by a long way" conveys a sense of magnitude and distance, highlighting a notable difference or advantage. Its exact origins may be uncertain, but its usage and meaning have persisted in contemporary British English.
As language and idiomatic expressions continuously evolve over time, it remains to be seen whether "by a long way" will continue to be used and understood in the future. However, for now, it serves as a concise and descriptive phrase in various contexts, conveying a strong sense of superiority or distinction.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "by a long way" can be used in a sentence:
- She is the fastest runner in the race, by a long way.
- This restaurant is the best in town, by a long way.
- He was ahead in the competition, by a long way, before his injury.
More "Adverb" idioms
