any longer
1. Longer in length. If this gown were any longer, I'd trip over it. If this drive were any longer, I'd have to stop at a hotel for the night. Thank goodness that play is finally over—if it had gone on any longer, I definitely would have fallen asleep!
2. Any more. I can't handle this tension any longer—can you two please reconcile? Oh, the Smiths don't live there any longer, they moved last year. I refuse to be involved in your schemes any longer!
come back when you can stay longer
A phrase directed at a guest who is welcome to extend their visit next time. Well, I'm glad we got to see each other, even if it wasn't for very long. Come back when you can stay longer! Why would you say, "Come back when you can stay longer"? I couldn't wait for her to leave! A: "I'm sorry I could only spend the afternoon with you guys." B: "Well, come back when you can stay longer. We miss you!"
difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer
proverb Situations that are very challenging or seem hopeless take longer to complete than ones that are merely difficult. Kate is undeterred by any problem I bring her. She truly embraces the idea that difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer. You do realize that you're asking me to find you a house in the hottest market this city's had in years, right? So you'll need to be patient—difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer. I know everything seems futile, but try to stay optimistic that it will work out eventually. As my mother always said, "Difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer."
no longer
Not any longer; not now as was true before. Oh, the Smiths no longer live there—they moved out last year. It took a long time, but I no longer feel the craving for a cigarette, thank God!
take a picture, it will last longer
A sarcastic, scornful rebuke said when someone is staring at or ogling one. Hey! I see you gaping at me over there. Take a picture, it'll last longer!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Come back when you can stay longer.
Come back again sometime when your visit can be longer. (Often said by a host or hostess to departing guests.) John: I really must go. Sue: So glad you could come. Please come back when you can stay longer. Bill: Well, I hate to eat and run, but I have to get up early tomorrow. Mary: Well, come back when you can stay longer.
difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer
Prov. Tasks that are only difficult are done immediately, harder tasks take longer. (Describes a very competent group or person.) The secretary in our office is extremely capable. She has a little sign on her desk that says, "The difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer." In her case, it's not a joke.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
any longer
1. With added length, as in If this skirt were any longer it would sweep the floor.
2. Still, any more, as in
They don't make this model any longer. This negative form is often put as
no longer.
no longer
Not any more, as in They no longer make this model of blender. [c. 1300]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
no/any ˈlonger
used to say that something which was possible or true before is not now: I can’t wait any longer. ♢ He no longer lives here.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
any longer
For more time: can't wait any longer.
no longer
Not now as formerly: He no longer smokes.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.