Learn English – What does ‘Long on looks, short on spirit’ mean

meaningphrases

I found the phrase ‘Long on looks, short on spirit’ in the Washington Post article written by Ann Hornaday (http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/jane-eyre,1164774/critic-review.html#reviewNum1).

What does ‘Long on looks, short on spirit’ mean? To me it sounds like saying ‘Have a big picture, but be realistic’, but I don’t know. Is this a well-worn English cliché or Charlotte Bronte’s coinage? In what occasion can I use this phrase?

Best Answer

I wouldn't say that this exact phrase is a well-worn cliche, but the format is well known. I've also heard 'Long on style, short on substance', as well as other variations.

The meaning of each of these types of statements is to compare traits of a larger subject, especially when one trait is vastly overrepresented compared to the other, "Long on [trait A], short on [trait B]." (This is also true if one trait is vastly under-represented.)

Related Topic