Long time coming

[ian2]

What does the phrase "long time coming" mean? I mean the connotation? Does that mean something has been in the process of coming for a long time and finally it has come, or not come yet, but it will come eventually, or it will not come. Thanks.

[David L.]

Depends on the tense of the verb that precedes it:
He finally apologized. It's been/was a long time coming.
John: He's going to apologize.
Mary: It's a long time coming. that is, he hasn't as yet, and the apology is long overdue.

[ian2]

Originally Posted by David L.

Depends on the tense of the verb that precedes it:
He finally apologized. It's been/was a long time coming.
John: He's going to apologize.
Mary: It's a long time coming. that is, he hasn't as yet, and the apology is long overdue.

Thanks.

[Naamplao]

Originally Posted by ian2

What does the phrase "long time coming" mean? I mean the connotation? Does that mean something has been in the process of coming for a long time and finally it has come, or not come yet, but it will come eventually, or it will not come. Thanks.

"A long time coming" is sort of a phrase that is similar to the phrase "about time" when commenting on something that should have been done previously but was delayed and delayed.

John: "I am finally getting my compensation for that industrial accident".
Jim: "Well, that has been a long time coming, hasn't it? You have been very patient".

John: "I am finally getting my compensation for that industrial accident".
Jim: "Well, it's about time. You have been very patient".

[ian2]

Originally Posted by Naamplao

"A long time coming" is sort of a phrase that is similar to the phrase "about time" when commenting on something that should have been done previously but was delayed and delayed.

John: "I am finally getting my compensation for that industrial accident".
Jim: "Well, that has been a long time coming, hasn't it? You have been very patient".

John: "I am finally getting my compensation for that industrial accident".
Jim: "Well, it's about time. You have been very patient".

Thanks a million.