A far cry from – Definition & Meaning

Conclusion

The English language is full of idiomatic expressions that can be confusing for non-native speakers. One such phrase is “a far cry from.” This phrase is often used in spoken and written English, but its meaning might not be immediately clear to everyone. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “a far cry from,” its origin, and its usage in different contexts.

Definitions

“A far cry from” is an idiomatic expression that means something is very different from something else. It is used to compare two things or ideas that are not similar in any way. For example, if someone says, “This new movie is a far cry from the director’s previous work,” they mean that the new movie is very different from the director’s previous movies.

Origin

The origin of “a far cry from” is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The phrase was first used in literature in the late 19th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “a far cry from” means “very different from.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “not at all like something else.”

Associations

The phrase “a far cry from” is often associated with disappointment or surprise. When someone says something is “a far cry from” what they expected, it usually means they are disappointed with the outcome. On the other hand, if someone says something is “a far cry from” what they thought it would be, it means they are surprised by the difference.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for “a far cry from,” including “different from,” “not like,” “dissimilar to,” and “unlike.”

Antonyms

The antonyms of “a far cry from” include “similar to,” “like,” and “reminiscent of.”

The same root words

The phrase “a far cry from” does not have any root words. It is an idiomatic expression that has evolved over time.

Example Sentences

1. The new restaurant is a far cry from the old one.
2. The new phone is a far cry from my old one.
3. The movie was a far cry from what I expected.
4. The new album is a far cry from the artist’s previous work.

In conclusion, “a far cry from” is an idiomatic expression that means something is very different from something else. It is often used to express disappointment or surprise. The phrase has been around for centuries and is still commonly used in spoken and written English. Understanding the meaning and usage of idiomatic expressions like “a far cry from” can help non-native speakers improve their English language skills.