Definition

Adverb 1. By a great deal; by a large margin; not even close: Used to emphasize that something is true to a very large extent, or that a particular outcome is far from being achieved. - He is the best by a long shot. - His labors haven't ended there—not by a long shot.

Usage

This phrase is used for strong emphasis, often to contradict a possible assumption or to stress a significant difference. It is commonly used in negative constructions ("not by a long shot") but can also be used in positive comparisons.

Examples

• Positive Comparison:

  • This is the best pizza in town by a long shot. (This pizza is much better than any other pizza in town.)
  • She finished the race first, and by a long shot. (She won the race by a very large margin.)

• Negative Construction (more common):

  • "Are you finished with the report?" "Not by a long shot!" (I am far from finished.)
  • The problem isn't solved, not by a long shot. (The problem is very far from being solved.)

Advanced Usage

• "Not by a long shot": A fixed idiomatic expression meaning "definitely not," "not at all," or "not even close."
  • "Was the exam easy?" "Not by a long shot—it was incredibly difficult."
• Used to intensify a statement about distance, quality, or likelihood.
  • He didn't win by a long shot; he came in last place.

Variants and Related Words

• By a mile: A similar informal idiom meaning by a very large margin.
  • She's the fastest runner on the team by a mile.
• By far: A more standard adverb with a similar meaning, often used in formal and informal contexts.
  • This is by far the most important point.

Synonyms

• By a wide margin
• By far
• Easily (e.g., )
• Far and away (e.g., )

Related Idioms

• Not by a long chalk (British English): Has the same meaning as "not by a long shot."
  • The work isn't done, not by a long chalk.

Adverb

1. by a great deal
   • he is the best by a long shot
   • his labors haven't ended there--not by a long shot