What does “It's as broad as it is long” mean?
"It's as broad as it is long" means that it doesn't matter which way you choose, the result will be the same.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Whether you take the highway or the back roads, the distance is as broad as it is long.
Example
You can try to solve the problem from different angles, but the outcome will be as broad as it is long.
Example
No matter how you approach the situation, the consequences will be as broad as it is long
Is “It's as broad as it is long” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“It's as broad as it is long” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “It's as broad as it is long” effectively in context?
You can use "It's as broad as it is long" to convey the idea that no matter which option or approach you choose, the result will be the same. It emphasizes the lack of difference between different choices or actions. For example, if someone is deciding between two routes to get somewhere, you might say, 'It doesn't matter which road you take, the distance is as broad as it is long.'
- 1Travel
Whether you take the highway or the back roads, the distance is as broad as it is long.
- 2Problem-solving
You can try to solve the problem from different angles, but the outcome will be as broad as it is long.
- 3Decision-making
No matter how you approach the situation, the consequences will be as broad as it is long.
Similar phrases to “It's as broad as it is long”:
Used to express that two options or outcomes are essentially the same
Example
You can try to solve the problem from different angles, but it's the same difference.
Tomato, tomato
Used to indicate that two things are essentially the same, despite minor differences in pronunciation or presentation
Example
No matter how you approach the situation, it's tomato, tomato.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “It's as broad as it is long” come from?
The origin of the phrase "It's as broad as it is long" is unknown.
Is “It's as broad as it is long” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "It's as broad as it is long" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in specific contexts where the lack of difference between options or actions needs to be emphasized.
What tone does “It's as broad as it is long” have?
"It's as broad as it is long" conveys a tone of resignation or acceptance. It suggests that the outcome is inevitable and there is no point in trying to change it.
Can “It's as broad as it is long” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "It's as broad as it is long" is generally used in informal conversations. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'No matter which option you choose, the result will be as broad as it is long.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's as broad as it is long!' to imply that the outcome is the same regardless of the choice.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- equivalent
- indistinguishable
- no difference
- the same result
- no variation
Antonyms
- significant difference
- diverse outcomes
- varying results
- distinct choices
