far cry from

USAGE SUMMARY

"far cry from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a situation, state, or outcome that is significantly different from the one you expected it to be. For example, "The final exam was a far cry from what she had studied all semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a far cry from driving.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a far cry from perfect".

The New York Times

It's a far cry from Livingstone's experiences.

Independent

It's a far cry from Angry Birds.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a far cry from 5.6 billion.

The New York Times

It was a far cry from today.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a far cry from nursery teas.

The Guardian - Books

That was a far cry from 1999.

The New York Times

A far cry from the "crossbow cannibal".

The Guardian

It's all a far cry from Bunty.

The Guardian - Books

It's a far cry from Sin City.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far cry from" to emphasize a significant difference or transformation, making your writing more vivid and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "far cry from" when the difference is minor or subtle; reserve it for substantial contrasts to maintain its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far cry from" functions as an idiomatic expression used to highlight a significant difference or contrast between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is notably different from something else. This usage is supported by examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far cry from" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to emphasize a significant difference or contrast. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in news and media, highlighting notable distinctions between situations, objects, or ideas. While versatile, it's best reserved for substantial contrasts to maintain its impact. Remember, there are several alternatives, such as "worlds apart" or "completely different", depending on the specific context. This ensures you're using the most fitting expression for the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worlds apart

Emphasizes a stark contrast, suggesting little to no common ground.

completely different

A straightforward expression of dissimilarity, lacking the idiomatic flavor of the original.

night and day

Highlights extreme contrast, often used for easily distinguishable differences.

chalk and cheese

British idiom indicating fundamental incompatibility or difference.

poles apart

Similar to "worlds apart", stressing opposing viewpoints or characteristics.

nothing like

Indicates a lack of resemblance or similarity.

bears no comparison to

Highlights the inadequacy of comparing two things due to vast differences.

distinct from

A more formal way of saying different, often used in analytical contexts.

unrelated to

Indicates a lack of connection or association.

a different kettle of fish

Implies that something is entirely separate and should be treated differently.

FAQs

How can I use "far cry from" in a sentence?

Use "far cry from" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For example, "The small village is a "far cry from" the bustling city".

What does "far cry from" mean?

The phrase "far cry from" means that something is very different from something else. It emphasizes a noticeable contrast.

Which is correct, "far cry from" or "distant cry from"?

"Far cry from" is the correct and commonly used idiom. While "distant cry from" might be understood, it lacks the idiomatic meaning and is not standard English.

What are some alternatives to "far cry from"?

Alternatives include "worlds apart", "completely different", or "nothing like". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.