long time no hear: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘long time no hear’ mean?
The idiom "long time no hear" is used to express that it has been a considerable amount of time since the speaker last heard from or had contact with someone.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "see you later" is an informal way of saying goodbye or farewell to someone with the intention to meet again in the near future.
The idiom "out of touch" means to be unaware or uninformed about a particular topic or the current situation. It implies a lack of understanding or familiarity with something or someone.
The idiom "out of the loop" means someone is uninformed or lacks knowledge about a specific situation or topic.
The idiom "out of sight, out of mind" means that when something or someone is not visible or present, people tend to forget about it or them.
The idiom "on the horn" means to be talking on the telephone. It is often used to indicate a conversation or discussion taking place over the phone.
The idiom "one could hear a pin drop" means that there is complete silence or stillness in a place, to the extent that even the smallest sound, like the dropping of a pin, would be easily heard.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
The idiom "old as the hills" refers to something that is extremely old, often implying that it has been around for a very long time and is therefore considered outdated or out of touch with current trends or ideas.
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
The idiom "nowhere to be found" means that someone or something cannot be located or is completely absent.
Silent Echo Revealed
The idiom "long time no see" is often used in informal conversations to greet someone after a significant period of not seeing or hearing from them. It is similar in meaning to "long time no hear," conveying a sense of familiarity and friendliness. The phrase can be traced back to at least the late 19th century and is believed to have originated as a playful and lighthearted way of acknowledging the passage of time between interactions.
The expression "long time" is a common phrase used to refer to a significant period of time. When combined with "no hear" or "no see," it emphasizes the duration since the last contact or encounter with someone. This idiomatic phrase is used in a conversational style to casually express that it has been a while since the speaker last heard from or saw the person they are addressing.
On a related note, "long since" is another idiomatic expression that shares a similar meaning to "long time no hear." It is used to indicate that a significant amount of time has passed since a particular event or action. For example, someone might say "I haven't seen her long since the last family gathering" to convey that it has been a considerable amount of time since they last saw the person at a family event.
Additionally, the phrase "not see someone for dust" is a colloquial expression commonly used in informal conversations, especially in British English. It means that someone has not seen or encountered another person for a very long time, emphasizing the duration of the absence. For instance, someone might say "I haven't seen him for dust, it feels like ages!" to convey that it has been a significant amount of time since they last saw the person.
Now returning to "long time no hear," this idiom is frequently used in everyday speech by English speakers, particularly in the United States. It has become a well-known and established part of the English language, reflecting the evolution of informal language and the importance of interpersonal communication. When people greet each other with "long time no hear," they imply that they have missed the person and are happy to reconnect after a significant period of silence.
The popularity and usage of the idiom increased in the mid-20th century, aligning with the rise of colloquial language and informal conversations. Nowadays, it is commonly used in personal or professional settings to greet someone and express a sense of familiarity and friendliness. Whether in a casual conversation with a colleague or catching up with an old friend, "long time no hear" serves as a warm and friendly way to reconnect and acknowledge the passage of time.
It is worth mentioning that the idiom can be modified to suit different contexts or relationships, adding various tones or nuances to the expression. For instance, someone might say "long time no hear, my dear friend" to add a nostalgic or sentimental tone, emphasizing their close relationship. On the other hand, it could be used in a humorous way by saying "long time no hear, oh elusive one" to jokingly acknowledge the lack of communication between two people who have been difficult to get in touch with.
What makes "long time no hear" unique is its ability to establish a connection and create a sense of shared history between individuals. When used in movies, television shows, or literature, it adds a touch of familiarity, allowing characters who haven't seen or heard from each other in a while to reconnect and deepen their relationship.
The idiom "long time no hear" is a widely recognized expression that reflects the evolution of informal language and the importance of interpersonal communication. It is closely related to idioms such as "long time no see," "long time," "long since," and "not see someone for dust," which all emphasize the duration since the last contact or encounter with someone. "Long time no hear" serves as a warm and friendly way to greet someone after an extended period of silence, while also acknowledging the passage of time and the shared history between individuals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *long time no hear* can be used in a sentence:
- "Hey, John! Long time no hear! How have you been?"
- "I ran into an old friend yesterday and we exchanged a *long time no hear* greeting."
- "We used to be pen pals back in the day, but it's been a *long time no hear*."
More "Greeting" idioms
