go back a long way

Definition & Meaning of "[go] back a long way"

to go back a long way

to have a long history or past relationship with someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "go back a long way" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go back a long way" is rooted in the literal sense of physical distance and time. The idea of going back in time or retracing one's steps has long been associated with the concept of history and personal relationships. The phrase can also be used to emphasize the historical context of a particular event, institution, or tradition

to have been present for a long time, as in conflicts or business

What is the origin of the idiom "go back a long way" and when to use it?

The origin and history of the idiom "go back a long way" are unclear, but it is likely that it developed from the idea of a physical distance that people have traveled together over time. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 19th century and was originally used to refer to journeys or expeditions that had taken a long time to complete. Over time, the phrase began to be used more figuratively to describe the length of time that people had known each other or had been associated with each other in some way.