long time
Used as part of greeting of two people who have not been in contact for a long time.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Long time no see, how are you?”
“I ran into my old classmate at the store and said, long time no see.”
“After years of silence, she sent a brief message to her former colleague, simply writing, long time no see.”
A shortening of the phrase *It's been a long time (since...)*, with the pronoun *It* serving as the initial subject.
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 03
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 04
any time now
Very soon.
- 05
any time soon
soon
- 06
as the day is long
Unceasingly; very; thoroughly; to a very high degree.
- 07
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 08
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
Last updated August 10, 2026