Pronunciation: [nˌɒt lˈɒŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the two-word phrase "not long" is fairly straightforward when it comes to its phonetic transcription. The "not" part of the phrase is pronounced with an /n/ sound, followed by a short /ɑ/ vowel and a /t/ sound. The second part, "long," is pronounced with a long /ɔ/ vowel sound and ends with a velar nasal /ŋ/ sound. When pronounced together, the phrase sounds like /nɑt lɔŋ/.
The term "not long" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the idea of a relatively short period of time. When referring to a specific event or action, "not long" indicates that a considerable amount of time has not yet passed since its occurrence.
In a more general context, "not long" implies that the duration or length of something is relatively brief, shorter than what might be considered an extensive period. It suggests that the period being referred to is not extended or does not go on for an extended stretch of time. However, the exact span of time encompassed by "not long" may vary depending on the specific circumstances or context being considered.
"Not long" is often employed when providing a vague time frame or when comparing a duration to a longer or anticipated timeframe. It can be used in relation to past, present, or future situations, making it a versatile expression for expressing temporal concepts.
Overall, "not long" is an idiomatic phrase that highlights a period of time that is relatively short, often suggesting brevity when compared to other, larger time periods. Its usage enables individuals to convey that a particular event, duration, or action had a reasonably brief span or has not been a substantial amount of time since it occurred.
The word "not long" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of the adverb "not" and the adjective "long".
The adverb "not" has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "nā", meaning "not" or "no".
The adjective "long" can be traced back to Old English as well, originating from the word "lang", which meant "lasting" or "enduring". This Old English word can be further traced to the Proto-Germanic word "*langgaz", meaning "long" or "tall".
When "not" is combined with "long", it simply negates the notion of something having a long duration or length.
