a long way

a long way — idiom

1. a large distance that takes considerable time or effort to travel

1.idiomA2
Definition

a large distance that takes considerable time or effort to travel

Example

The nearest petrol station was a long way from the campsite.

be a long way from + place

Lien walked a long way through the forest to find help.

walk a long way + to-infinitive purpose

Synonyms
  • far

    more natural in questions and negatives; 'a long way' is preferred in affirmative statements

  • a great distance

    more formal, less common in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • a short way

    the opposite distance; a small distance to travel

Common Mistakes

I waited a long way for the bus.
I waited a long time for the bus.
'a long way' is about distance; use 'a long time' for duration.

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

A straightforward phrase combining 'long' (from Old English 'lang', meaning extended in space) and 'way' (from Old English 'weg', meaning a path or road). It has been used since Middle English to describe a considerable distance.