A Far Cry From Meaning
Definition: One thing is very different from something else.
People often use this expression to emphasize how drastically dissimilar two things are.
Origin of A Far Cry From
This expression is based on its literal meaning. A far cry originally meant a distance that was too far to call across easily. This means that even if a person were shouting to someone else, it would be hard to hear because they were so far away from each other.
The idea behind the figurative meaning is that two things that are far away are most likely very different from each other.
Examples of A Far Cry From
In the example below, two siblings are fighting over an agreement they made earlier.
Jordan: I can’t believe you adopted this dog without telling me.
James: What are you talking about? We agreed we would adopt a dog over five years ago.
Jordan: I know! But we agreed we would adopt a rescued greyhound.
James: I did adopt a rescued dog.
Jordan: You adopted a Chihuahua, which is almost the smallest dog that you could have found! A Chihuahua is a far cry from a greyhound. Greyhounds are huge!
James: I’m sorry! I didn’t think the size of the dog was important.
Jordan: Of course it’s important! I could step on this dog and kill it!
In the second dialogue, two coworkers are worried about losing their jobs.
Herman: Today is the day that we learn which accountants will be let go.
Allison: I keep telling you not to worry.
Herman: Maybe I can transfer to your department.
Allison: But I’m a physical therapist.
Allison: Being a physical therapist is a far cry from being an accountant! You would need a medical background.
Herman: You’re right. Sorry. I’m just nervous.
This excerpt is about one restaurant that has much higher prices than another, and a very different style of food.
- The Wagyu strip loin dish costs $53. Granted, it’s the most expensive dish on the menu (entrees start at $29), but the prices at Tiffins are a far cry from Casey’s Corner, the counter-service restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom. –USA Today
The second excerpt is about an athlete who is playing much better now than he was last season.
- Thauvin has been Marseille’s most consistent player; a far cry from when he struggled for Newcastle in the Premier League last season. –USA Today
The phrase a far cry from describes two things that are completely distinct and unique from one another. It is often used to emphasize how different things are from each other.