by a long chalk
by a long chalk
By a wide margin, as of time, distance, ability, etc. Often used in the negative to indicate not at all or by no means. Primarily heard in UK. He won that match by a long chalk. I'm not done yet, not by a long chalk!
See also: by, chalk, long
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
by a long chalk
BRITISHYou can use by a long chalk to make a statement stronger, especially a negative statement or one that contains a superlative. Not all of them are Republicans, not by a long chalk. Where do you think you're going, Kershaw? You haven't finished by a long chalk. In fact this book is by a long chalk the best biography of Sayers so far published. Note: This expression may refer to the practice of making chalk marks on the floor to show the score of a player or team. `A long chalk' would mean `a lot of points' or `a great deal'.
See also: by, chalk, long
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
by a long chalk
by far. BritishThis expression is based on the old custom of marking up points scored in a game with chalk on a blackboard, as is its opposite not by a long chalk meaning ‘by no means; not at all’.
See also: by, chalk, long
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
- (one's) true colours
- bat an eye
- bat an eyelash
- bat an eyelid
- be in step (with someone or something)
- week
- a one-trick pony
- tomorrow
- a rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel