it's a long story

The phrase "it's a long story" is commonly used to indicate that explaining something would be too complicated or time-consuming.

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Definition

B2General

(informal, common)Used to suggest that explaining something is too complicated or time-consuming.

Example

  • When asked why she was late, she simply said, 'It's a long story.'
  • He didn't go into details, just remarked, 'It's a long story.'

B2General

(informal, evasive)Used to avoid providing detailed information about a situation.

Example

  • She didn't want to discuss her breakup and said, 'It's a long story.'
  • When he was questioned about his sudden career change, he replied, 'It's a long story.'

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "it's a long story":

long storywhat's the storyanother story