Definition
说来话长 is a fixed phrase used when you're about to tell a long, complicated story, or when you're responding to a question that would take a lot of explaining. It literally means 'speaking of it, the story is long'. You often hear it as a polite or dramatic opener before diving into a detailed account.
v.p.
it's a long story
Examples
- 说来话长，。shuō lái huà cháng, wǒ mànmàn gēn nǐ shuō ba.It's a long story — let me tell you slowly.
- ？说来话长！Nǐ wèishénme líkāi nà jiā gōngsī? shuō lái huà cháng!Why did you leave that company? It's a long story!
- 说来话长，。Zhè jiàn shì shuō lái huà cháng, sān yán liǎng yǔ shuō bù qīngchu.This matter is a long story — a few words can't make it clear.
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