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by a long shot
01
used to convey how great the difference is between two things
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "by a long shot" and when to use it?
The idiom "by a long shot" is believed to have originated in American English in the mid-19th century. It likely comes from the world of shooting or marksmanship, where a "shot" refers to an attempt or a bullet fired from a firearm. A "long shot" in this context would be a shot taken from a considerable distance, making it less likely to hit the target accurately. This phrase is often used when one thing surpasses or falls short of another by a noticeable degree.
Example
Her score on the exam was the highest in the class by a long shot.
No city has escaped the recession, but Seattle has fared best by a long shot.
The new movie is better than the old one by a long shot.
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