ENGLISH
REFERENCE

long time

idiom
Meaning

Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.


Origin

disputed origin

A shortening of It's been a long time (since […] ).

Examples
SIMPLE

Long time no see, how are you?

CONTEXTUAL

I ran into my old classmate at the store and said, long time no see.

COMPLEX

After years of silence, she sent a brief message to her former colleague, simply writing, long time no see.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  3. 03

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  4. 04

    any time now

    Very soon.

  5. 05

    any time soon

    soon

  6. 06

    as the day is long

    Unceasingly; very; thoroughly; to a very high degree.

  7. 07

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  8. 08

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

Last updated April 17, 2026