“A Far Cry”
Definition: A long way, either literally or figuratively.
Origin: Believed to have originated from measuring one’s distance from an enemy in terms of shouting. Sir Walter Scott indicated in The Legend of Montrose (1819) that it was a proverbial expression of the Campbell clan, whose ancient hereditary domains lay beyond the reach of invaders. The term was already being used figuratively by then.
Synonyms:
- A long haul
- Lightyears away
- Miles apart
- Distant memory
Antonyms:
- Close by
- Within reach
- Nearby
- Just around the corner
💡 Fun Fact:
The phrase “a far cry” spans continents and histories but always manages to communicate just how out of reach something truly is!
🤣 Humor-Filled Quotes:
“The difference between reviewing a book and creating a classic is a far cry—mostly signifying I should stick to reviewing!”
📚 Recommended Literature:
- “The Legend of Montrose” by Sir Walter Scott - Dive into the early use of “a far cry.”
- “Far and Away” by Robert ParkeHarrison - For a metaphorical stretch, considering aspirations and distances.
🎵 Suggested Songs:
- “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton - Even if it’s not about shouting distances, the sentiment aligns!
- “Far Away” by Nickelback - For that touch of longing when something is figuratively out of reach.
🎬 Recommended Movies:
- “Far and Away” (1992) - Starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Astonishingly apt for the expression!
- “The Distance Between Us” (2012) - Where emotional and physical distances converge.
🔮 Final Thought:
In whatever journey you’re on, understand that the ‘far cry’ between your starting point and your destination can be narrowed with persistence, wisdom, and a nifty dictionary of expressions.
