What is "Light years away"?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi

Could you please tell me the meaning and use of:

“Light years away”?

Thanks in advance

Yours

Tom

2

Hi Tom,

I think you mean: Light years away. It means far, far into the future. It comes from the idea of the time it takes for the light of a star to reach planet earth. You could say; The time when man stops fighting man is sadly still light years away.

Alan

3

Hi Tom

“Light years (away)” can also be used figuratively to talk about an extreme distance or difference between two things that have been compared.

Amy

4

Dear Amy

Would you mind if I asked you to give one example each? :shock:

Many, many thanks in advance

Tom

5

Hi Tom

Off the top of my head, some figurative examples:

“Many experts say that researchers are still light-years away from a cure for AIDS.”

“Their opinions are light-years apart.”

Amy

6

Can’t thank you enough! :smiley:

PS: still awake :!: :?: :shock:

Must be 1:0’ clock?

Tom

7

Yes, Tom, but I’ll be hitting the hay shortly.
It must be much later where you are. :lol:

Amy

8

You see! With this constant flow of learning who would wish to hit the hay? Well, this is a new expression for me to learn…and a beautiful one also.It is almost 5 in the morning here and I have to get up at 6:30 :smiley:

Tom

9

You have to get up at 6:30?! Get up from your chair is more like it, I guess. :lol:
Sounds like hitting the hay won’t do you much good at this point. :shock: