2006-09-17 07:19:20 · 7 answers · asked by nlmudford 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Second time - related to a previous question - it's an old saying, just learn to accept thats whats it is
2006-09-17 07:21:36 · answer #1 · answered by Chεεrs [uk] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
similar to this:
: : "Not by a long chalk" means "not by much" and its origin is "the use of chalk for reckoning points in tavern games." See below.
: : "Whether it was suggested by a difficult long shot attempted in archery or shooting isn't known, but the expression 'a long shot' first arose in British racing circles some 128 years ago as a bet laid at large odds, a bold wager. NOT BY A LONG SHOT therefore means hopelessly out of reckoning. Attempts have been made to derive the saying from the slightly earlier NOT BY A LONG CHALK, which comes from the use of chalk for reckoning points in tavern games. But 'not by a long chalk' means 'not by much,' so it seems that the phrase (long shot) derives from either archery or shooting." From "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997).
2006-09-17 14:30:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tamarinda Alexia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've got no problems with either or both or neither.
Shouldn't this debate be over now by a long shot of chalk?
2006-09-17 14:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by Barks-at-Parrots 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This battles not over by a long shot. Speaks for it's self really.
2006-09-20 07:30:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no idea but isn't it not over by a long chalk ???
sorry only taking the p
2006-09-17 14:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by andygunit36 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same as saying, "It's not over until the fat lady sings" or "It's not over until it's over."
2006-09-17 14:58:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fat lady is a good answer.
2006-09-18 15:45:08 · answer #7 · answered by Warlock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋