By a mile definitions
| Word backwards | yb a elim |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Prepositional phrase |
| Syllabic division | by-a-mile |
| Plural | The plural of "by a mile" is "by miles." |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | a,i,e |
| Consonants (4) | b,y,m,l |
When it comes to measuring distances, the phrase "by a mile" carries a significant weight. This idiom is often used to emphasize a vast difference between two things or to highlight a clear winner in a competition or comparison.
Origin of the Phrase
The origin of the phrase "by a mile" dates back to the early 20th century, where it was used in horse racing to describe a horse that won a race with a significant lead over its competitors. The term has since evolved to be used in various contexts beyond sports.
Meaning and Usage
Today, "by a mile" is commonly used in everyday language to express a clear superiority or advantage. For example, if someone is asked who the best basketball player is, and they respond with "LeBron James, by a mile," it means that they believe LeBron James is significantly better than any other player.
Similarly, in business, if a company outperforms its competitors in terms of sales numbers or market share, it can be said to be leading the industry by a mile. This highlights the company's dominant position in the market.
Alternate Expressions
While "by a mile" is a popular idiom, there are other expressions that can convey a similar meaning. Phrases like "by far," "by a long shot," or "head and shoulders above the rest" all serve to emphasize a significant difference or advantage.
Overall, the phrase "by a mile" remains a powerful way to communicate a clear winner or superior position in various contexts, making it a versatile and commonly used idiom in the English language.
By a mile Examples
- She ran the race by a mile, leaving her competitors far behind.
- The new restaurant is better than the old one by a mile.
- My friend lives by a mile from here, so we rarely see each other.
- The project is ahead of schedule by a mile, thanks to the hard work of the team.
- His singing talent surpasses mine by a mile.
- The movie sequel was worse than the original by a mile.
- The temperature outside dropped by a mile overnight.
- Her artwork is more impressive than mine by a mile.
- The quality of their product is superior by a mile compared to competitors.
- The new technology is more efficient by a mile, saving time and resources.