🔊 A Shout Away: Origins and Oddities of Overused Expressions 🌳
A long way, literally or figuratively: This expression is believed to have its source in measuring one’s distance from an enemy in terms of shouting. Sir Walter Scott indicated (The Legend of Montrose, 1819) that it was a proverbial expression of the Campbell clan, which meant that their ancient hereditary domains lay beyond the reach of invaders. However, the term was already being used figuratively by then.
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- In the distance: At a far-off point; barely visible.
- Far-fetched: Unlikely and unconvincing; implausible.
- Miles apart: Highly different in opinion, amount, or degree.
- Stretching it: Exaggerating or pushing the truth.
- A stone’s throw: A short distance; a brief stretch.
Quotes:
- “The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success.” — Bruce Feirstein
- “It is not the length of life, but the depth.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Synonyms:
- Far away
- Distant
- Remote
- Separated
Antonyms:
- Close by
- Nearby
- Within reach
- Immediate
Recommended Literature:
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - A classic tale embodying a journey that’s both literal and figurative.
- On the Road by Jack Kerouac - A quintessential novel of physical and existential travels.
Songs:
- “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton - A beautiful ode to the emotional journey of being far away.
- “Far Away” by Nickelback - Nostalgic melodies about distances, both emotional and physical.
Movies:
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Epic adventures spanning great distances and bold undertakings.
- Interstellar - Embarking on a journey millions of miles away, quite literally crossing the cosmos.
🌟 Inspiration:
And remember, while the road might be long and winding, it’s the journey that shapes us, not just the destination.
Farewell thought: Embrace every journey, literal or figurative, because they lead us to growth, learning, and unexpected wonders. Go the extra mile, for it’s never crowded!
### Which of these expressions has a similar meaning to "a long way"?
- [x] A stone's throw
- [ ] Around the bend
- [ ] Down the hatch
- [ ] Through the roof
> **Explanation:** "A stone's throw" refers to a short distance, while "a long way" could be regarding a far-off point in space or time; both expressions deal with measuring distance, though oppositely.
### Select the figurative use of "a long way":
- [x] She managed to come a long way in her career.
- [ ] They had to shout across a long way to get heard.
- [ ] The long way home is through the forest.
> **Explanation:** "She managed to come a long way in her career" involves progress made figuratively rather than a physical distance.
### True or False: "In the distance" pertains solely to physical distance.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "In the distance" can refer to both physical spaces (seen or heard far away) and metaphorical ones (e.g., goals reached in the future).
