Far and wide
Meaning
Throughout a very extensive area or range; everywhere.
Origin
The phrase 'far and wide' is deeply embedded in the English language, reflecting an ancient, intuitive way of describing vast extents. It springs from a time when the world felt boundless and travel was an arduous undertaking. Early speakers naturally paired the concepts of 'far' (referring to distance) and 'wide' (referring to breadth) to vividly capture the immense scope of anything—from a journey across unknown lands to the spread of a story through dispersed communities. This simple, alliterative construction has endured for centuries, serving as a powerful linguistic tool to convey the universality and extensiveness of experiences, influence, and knowledge.
Examples
- News of their engagement spread far and wide, reaching even distant relatives across the globe.
- The explorer traveled far and wide, documenting unique cultures and breathtaking landscapes in every corner of the world.