"Not by a long sight" is a common expression used to indicate that something is far from true or correct. The correct spelling of "sight" in this expression is /saɪt/. It's important to pay attention to the vowel sound in this word, as the word "cite" is spelled similarly but has a different pronunciation (/saɪt/). When spelling this expression, it's also important to include the words "not" and "by" for the full meaning.
The phrase "not by a long sight" is an idiomatic expression typically used to convey a strong negation or denial. It is often employed to emphasize that something is considered highly unlikely or improbable. This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and literature to express disbelief or disagreement with a statement or suggestion.
The term "long sight" in this context refers to a metaphorical vision that extends far into the distance, suggesting the ability to see things clearly and accurately. Therefore, when one says "not by a long sight," they mean that the possibility being discussed is completely out of reach or beyond comprehension.
This phrase is often employed when rejecting an idea, notion, or assumption that seems implausible or unrealistic. It serves as a way to emphasize that the proposition being discussed is far from being true or possible. For instance, if someone claims that they could complete a complex task in a short time frame, another person might respond with, "Not by a long sight!" to convey their skepticism about the claim.
Overall, the phrase "not by a long sight" acts as a figurative expression used to strongly negate, refute, or dismiss a proposition by emphasizing its unlikelihood or impossibility.