说来话长

說來話長

shuōlái-huàcháng

idiom #5,434

Meanings

1 it's a long story

Characters

to say; to speak

to come (used as a linking particle)

Examples

说来话长，我们慢慢聊。

Shuōláihuàcháng, wǒmen mànmàn liáo.

It's a long story — let's talk slowly.

这件事说来话长，你确定要听吗？

Zhè jiàn shì shuōláihuàcháng, nǐ quèdìng yào tīng ma?

This matter is a long story — are you sure you want to hear it?

Tips

usage

Used at the beginning of a conversation to warn that the explanation will be lengthy. Similar to the English 'it's a long story'.

Stroke Order

说 shuō

来 lái

话 huà

长 cháng