far piece
C2/RareInformal, colloquial, chiefly rural or older generation speech. Often used in narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A long distance; a substantial amount of travel required.
Used figuratively to describe a significant amount of effort, time, or progress needed to achieve something; a considerable gap or difference.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An idiomatic noun phrase, not a standard measurement. Implies a distance that is subjectively long, tiring, or inconvenient. Often carries a tone of mild complaint or emphasis on the effort involved.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is recognized in both varieties but is considered archaic or regional in British English. In American English, it retains more currency, especially in Southern, Midwestern, and rural dialects.
Connotations
In the UK, it sounds old-fashioned or possibly influenced by American media. In the US, it can sound rustic, homespun, or evocative of a past era.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary standard English. Mostly encountered in historical fiction, folklore, dialogue to establish character, or in fixed expressions like "quite a far piece."
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[It/That/This place] is a far piece from [location].[Subject] has/had a far piece to go.[Subject] traveled/came a far piece.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"A far piece from home" (feeling lost or out of place)”
- “"A far piece to go yet" (much progress still needed).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly unlikely. Would be used only for deliberate, folksy effect in storytelling.
Academic
Virtually never used except as a linguistic example of dialect or idiom.
Everyday
Rare. Possible among older speakers in specific US regions.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- We had to trek far piece into the woods to find that stream. (dialectal/narrative)
American English
- He lives far piece out past the old mill road. (dialectal/narrative)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The next village is a far piece from here. You should take the bus.
- Grandpa always said the best fishing hole was still a far piece up the river, so we packed a lunch.
- Although we've made progress on the project, we still have a far piece to go before the prototype is functional.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'piece' of a road map. A 'far piece' is a large chunk of that map you have to travel.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS A MEASURABLE OBJECT (a 'piece' of space). JOURNEYING IS CONSUMING/COVERING THAT OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation "далекий кусок." The correct concept is "далёкая дорога" or "приличное расстояние."
- Do not confuse with "far cry," which is about difference, not just distance.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it without the article 'a' (e.g., "It's far piece from here" is wrong; must be "a far piece").
- Overusing it to sound authentically 'American.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'a far piece' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an idiomatic, colloquial expression considered non-standard or dialectal.
No, it is inappropriate for formal or academic contexts.
'A long way' is standard and neutral. 'A far piece' is idiomatic, carries rustic/old-fashioned connotations, and emphasizes the subjective effort or remoteness.
Use it sparingly, only in informal spoken English or creative writing to characterize a speaker's background. It almost always follows the article 'a' (a far piece).