ENGLISH
REFERENCE

far cry

idiom
Meaning

A long distance, in terms of dissimilarity or difference.


Origin

disputed origin

In allusion to the sending of criers or messengers through the territory of a Scottish clan with an announcement or summons.

Examples
SIMPLE

This small apartment is a far cry from my old house.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager's polite style is a far cry from the way the previous boss treated the staff.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a bridge too far

    A step or action that is too ambitious; an act of overreaching.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    cry all the way to the bank

    To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.

  4. 04

    cry cupboard

    To want or need food; to show signs of hunger.

  5. 05

    cry down

    To condemn, disparage.

  6. 06

    cry for help

    Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.

  7. 07

    cry foul

    To protest about something which appears to be unjust.

  8. 08

    cry in one's beer

    To feel sorry for oneself; to feel sadness or regret, especially in combination with self-pity.

© 2026 English Reference