by a long shot

by a long shot

At all; in any way. Often used in the negative. Oh, we aren't finished cleaning, not by a long shot—we still have the entire downstairs to tackle.
See also: by, long, shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

by a long shot

see under long shot.
See also: by, long, shot
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

by a long shot

You can use by a long shot to make a statement stronger, especially a negative statement or one that contains a superlative. We have to know what is going on, and we don't, not yet, not by a long shot. The arms race isn't over by a long shot. No city has escaped the recession, but Seattle has fared best by a long shot. Compare with a long shot.
See also: by, long, shot
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

by a long shot

by far; outstandingly. informal
See also: by, long, shot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

by a long shot

Informal
To any extent; at all. Usually used in negative sentences: You haven't done your share of the work by a long shot.
See also: by, long, shot
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • force (someone or something) off on (someone )
  • (it) couldn't be helped
  • can't be helped. and couldn't be helped
  • break in
  • keep house
  • bit
  • bite
  • biting
  • before long
  • question about