What is the origin of the idiom "a far cry from something" and when to use it?

The idiom "a far cry from something" originates from the concept of using vocal communication to convey distance. In its literal sense, a cry or shout can be heard from varying distances depending on its loudness and clarity. Figuratively, the phrase is used to signify a significant difference or contrast between two things, suggesting that the current situation or object being referred to is distant or drastically different from a previous or expected state.