I would like to know the circumstances under which the expression may be used.
Cheers
2006-10-16 17:43:20 · 10 answers · asked by AWUNG M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Ok folks,
So if I have been waiting for success and still it eludes me, I cannot use the expression to voice my impatience or disappointment, right?
Thanks for the answers so far.
2006-10-16 18:08:49 · update #1
Just what it says.
It is not an idiom.
You can use it to describe any event that seems long overdue, that has finally happened - and is something you consider a good outcome.
You wouldn't use it say, when your favorite football team finally lost a match and ended a long winning spree.
You might use it when a guy who was a liar and a cheat finally got caught, for instance. Or when a guy you were rooting for won an election he had lost a couple times before. Or a really good ball player finally got accepted into the hall of fame.
2006-10-16 17:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by John C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The phrase is a reaction by uninformed Australians to migration. It is not racist in itself as it is a general statement. Though no doubt, many who hold this opinion are probably also racist. I guess there is also a reaction to ongoing illegal entry into the country. Migation has been a thorny subject in Australia since the second wave of migration by the British in 1788. despite the hullabaloo Australians are accepting and welcoming of migrants on a one too one basis. migration has played an important role in the development of this country. As you say, chinese migrants have been here many years and have made a great contribution to the country. We arnt full. I think the prevailing australian view is that "there is always room for one more".
2016-05-22 08:10:10 · answer #2 · answered by Sylvia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It simply means that you've waited a long time for something to happen, or any kind of occasion:
It can be used in any context: - "He's getting married" - 'Well, it's been a long time coming'
"I've won the lottery" - 'It's been a long time coming'
He's finally been sent to prison" - 'It's been a long.....etc.
You get the picture?
2006-10-16 18:30:48 · answer #3 · answered by Phlodgeybodge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that whatever has just happened be it good or bad is long overdue.
eg if a guy who has driven his car like an absolute loon for several years and never even got stone chip it would be ok to say it to him or any one else on the day he finally looses control or crashes
2006-10-16 18:27:43 · answer #4 · answered by Grey Area 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you finally get soemthing you wanted that you have waited for for years.
when you finally get it you say its been a long time coming bit like if you win the jackpot on a fruity after putting loads of pounds in
2006-10-16 17:49:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be impatient in using this phrase-something has taken longer to come about than was expected.
2006-10-16 18:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by Devmeister 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"we've been waiting for it a long time"
often used in a moaning way, or to show that someone has got the (negative) result they deserved.
2006-10-16 18:03:20 · answer #7 · answered by JentaMenta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it just means that an event that was "inevitable" has happened. i.e the iraqi war was a long time coming, it was inevitable.
2006-10-16 20:46:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like you knew it was gonna happen,just didn't know when or how.But you knew it would.
2006-10-16 17:54:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
something that should have happened a long time ago......way before now ;-)
2006-10-16 17:53:41 · answer #10 · answered by iammissmess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋