bei weitem nicht
Translation
not by a long shot, not nearly, far from
Examples
Das ist bei weitem nicht genug.
That is not nearly enough.
Er ist bei weitem nicht so klug, wie er denkt.
He is not nearly as smart as he thinks.
Grammar Patterns
bei weitem nicht + adjective/adverb: not nearly ... Das ist bei weitem nicht genug.
Similar Words
not nearly, far from, by no means
Etymology
This is the negation of 'bei weitem' (by far). By adding 'nicht' (not), it creates the meaning 'not by a wide margin', or 'not nearly'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as the direct opposite of 'by far'. If something is 'by far' the best, then something else is 'not by far' (i.e., 'not nearly') as good.