long fuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"long fuse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has a lot of patience or self-restraint, and is able to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Sarah remained calm and composed throughout the entire project. She has a long fuse and does not let small things bother her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's like watching a long fuse burn.

The New York Times

It has been an explosion that had a long fuse.

The New York Times - Food

Yet this is a controversy with a long fuse.

The Guardian

My impression is that most women public service workers have a long fuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 1970, the long fuse that would eventually lead to his destruction had already been lit.

The Guardian - Books

Like the Conservative reforms of the 1980s, Labour's changes may have a long fuse.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The old allowance will disappear in April 2000, but the new credit will not be paid until 2001.Mr Brown has lit long fuses before.

The Economist

Gaper clams have long, fused siphons that are contained in sheathlike tubes; the siphons are not fully retractable into the shell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pistillate flowers: pedicel 10 40 mm, tepals 5, white, obovate to broadly obovate, 7 15 × 5 10 mm; ovary 2-loculed; placentae axile, bilamellate; styles 2, ca. 5 mm long, fused to halfway.

Botanical Studies

A novel type of Cherenkov ring imaging particle identification system (DIRC) based on the detection of ring images produced in long, fused silica radiator bars is being used to provide hadronic particle identification in the BaBar detector at PEP-II.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Male flower: pedicel 2 2.8 cm long, glabrous; tepals 4, white to pinkish, outer 2 ovate or orbicular, 1.9 2.3 cm long, 1.5 2 cm wide, inner 2, broadly oblong, 1.8 2.3 cm long, 0.5 1.5 cm wide, glabrous; androecium actinomorphic, subglobose, ca. 0.7 cm across, stamens 60 80, yellow, clavate; filaments ca. 2 mm long, fused to a short central column; anthers 1 1.2 mm long, apex truncate.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long fuse" to describe situations where there's a significant delay between an action or event and its consequences. For example, "The economic policies of the previous administration had a long fuse, and their effects are only now being felt."

Common error

Avoid using "long fuse" simply to describe a lengthy process without an eventual culmination or consequence. It's not just about duration; the 'fuse' implies an eventual ignition or reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long fuse" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a figurative expression. It describes a situation or a person's temperament characterized by a delayed reaction or response. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long fuse" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations with delayed consequences or individuals with high tolerance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, with a neutral register. The phrase implies that while a reaction may not be immediate, it is inevitable. Remember to use "long fuse" when emphasizing the delayed nature of an outcome, and to avoid it when simply referring to a lengthy duration. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, while being mindful of the subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slow burn

Refers to a gradual intensification, often of emotions or events, implying a different kind of delay than "long fuse".

slow to anger

Specifically relates to controlling anger, whereas "long fuse" can apply to a broader range of reactions or events.

patient disposition

Highlights an overall tendency to be patient, unlike the specific implication of delayed reaction in "long fuse".

high tolerance

Focuses on the ability to endure or withstand something, especially negative stimuli, differing from the delayed reaction implied by "long fuse".

forbearing attitude

Implies restraint and self-control in the face of provocation, differing from the general sense of delay in "long fuse".

tolerant nature

Emphasizes the quality of being tolerant, which is a broader characteristic than the delayed reaction suggested by "long fuse".

delayed reaction

Focuses solely on the delay aspect, lacking the implication of eventual consequence inherent in "long fuse".

gradual build-up

Highlights the process of accumulation over time, differing from the notion of a trigger and subsequent reaction in "long fuse".

protracted period

Simply indicates a long duration, without the implication of a cause-and-effect relationship present in "long fuse".

unhurried pace

Focuses on the speed or rhythm of something, diverging from the delayed reaction and potential outcome suggested by "long fuse".

FAQs

How can I use "long fuse" in a sentence?

The phrase "long fuse" is commonly used to describe situations or people that take a while to react or explode. For example: "He had a "long fuse", so it took a lot to make him angry."

What does it mean when someone has a "long fuse"?

If someone has a "long fuse", it means they are patient and it takes a lot to provoke them or make them angry. It implies they can tolerate a lot before reacting.

Which is correct, "long fuse" or "short fuse"?

Both "long fuse" and "short fuse" are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Long fuse" means someone is patient, while "short fuse" means someone is easily angered or provoked.

What are some synonyms for "long fuse"?

Synonyms for "long fuse" include "high tolerance", "slow to anger", and a "patient disposition". All these phrases imply a high degree of patience and restraint.