Long time coming

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ian2

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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"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.
 
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