PhrasesHub

A country mile

    Definitions

      • large distance
        To describe a large or great distance, often in comparison to a shorter distance, such as a city mile

      • significant difference
        To describe a significant difference between two things, often used in a negative context

      • exaggeration
        To exaggerate a distance or difference for emphasis or effect

    Examples of A country mile

    • The old farmhouse was located a country mile away from the nearest town.

      This idiom is used to describe a great distance, typically in rural areas. It originated from the fact that a mile in the countryside is often longer than a mile in urban areas due to winding roads and uneven terrain.

    • The hike to the summit of the mountain was a country mile, but the view from the top was worth every step.

      This idiom can also be used figuratively to describe a great distance in terms of time, effort, or difficulty.

    • After the long day at work, I felt like I had run a country mile just to get through the door.

      This idiom is used to describe a feeling of exhaustion or exertion that is comparable to the effort required to travel a long distance in rural areas.

    • The road to success is a country mile, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

      This idiom is used to describe a long and challenging journey towards a goal, with the implication that success is achievable through persistence and effort.

    • The musician's tour took him all over the country, covering a country mile in just a few weeks.

      This idiom is used to describe a journey that covers a great distance, particularly in rural areas, where the scenery and experiences are varied and unique.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a country mile" is commonly used to describe a large or great distance, often in comparison to a shorter distance, such as a city mile. It can also be used to describe a significant difference between two things, often in a negative context. Additionally, it can be used as an exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

    Origin of "A country mile"

    The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is likely derived from the fact that in rural areas, a "country mile" was often longer than a "city mile" due to the winding roads and lack of development. This difference in distance may have been exaggerated over time, leading to the idiom's use as an exaggeration of a large distance.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the use of "country roads" in the United States, which were often unpaved and required travelers to take a longer route to reach their destination. This could have led to the phrase "a country mile" being used to describe a long, winding journey.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "a country mile" has become a popular phrase in English, and is often used to emphasize a significant distance or difference.