far cry
A long distance, in terms of dissimilarity or difference.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This small apartment is a far cry from my old house.”
“This cold, rainy weather is a far cry from the sunny forecast.”
“The new manager's polite style is a far cry from the way the previous boss treated the staff.”
“The cheap plastic toy I received is a far cry from the high-quality product shown in the online advertisement.”
“Winning only two games all season was a far cry from what the team expected after their expensive summer signings.”
“The quiet, peaceful life he leads in the countryside is a far cry from the frantic, high-pressure career he left behind in the city.”
The term originates as an allusion to the practice of dispatching messengers or criers throughout the territory of a Scottish clan. In a highland context, the distance was measured by the range at which a shout or summons could be conveyed to gather the kinsmen. A cry that failed to reach its mark indicated a distance of significant magnitude, and the phrase persists as a measurement of such an interval.
- 01
a bridge too far
A step or action that is too ambitious; an act of overreaching.
- 02
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 03
cry all the way to the bank
To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.
- 04
cry cupboard
To want or need food; to show signs of hunger.
- 05
cry down
To condemn, disparage.
- 06
cry for help
Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.
- 07
cry foul
To protest about something which appears to be unjust.
- 08
cry in one's beer
To feel sorry for oneself; to feel sadness or regret, especially in combination with self-pity.
Last updated August 10, 2026