a long time coming
Finally here, eventually
Something that is a long time coming has been anticipated, expected, or overdue for an extended period before finally arriving or happening.
The phrase often carries a sense of relief or vindication when the awaited thing occurs: This promotion was a long time coming.
It can also suggest that delay was unnecessary or unjust: Justice was a long time coming for the victims.
- slowly but surelyGradually yet reliably
- slow burnGradual buildup of rage
- awaitedExpected to come
- overduePast expected arrival
- delayedMade to wait longer
anticipated · expected · protracted · belated · day of reckoning · reckoning · deferred · hard-won · payoff · fulfillment · inevitability · postponed · vindication · prolonged · watershed · moment of truth · arrival · culmination
a long time comingsudden
Occurring without prior notice
immediate · instantaneous · overnight · quick · instant
a long time comingout of the blue
Without any forewarning
unexpected · out of nowhere · unforeseen · unanticipated · surprising
long, longer, longest, longing, longingly, length, lengthen, lengthy, time