A little ways

[gvergara]

Hi

I'd like to know the meaning/ use of the expression a little ways. Is it a kindd of adverbial meaning something like a bit? There is another similar thread (under the title A little ways back down), but I still have this doubt.

"Wait," said Granger. "And move downstream a little ways, just in case".
From Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Thanks in advance

Gonzalo

 

[srta chicken]

Yes, it means "a little bit".

 

[gvergara]

Could you give me one or two more examples, please?

 

[srta chicken]

The store you want is just a little ways down the road.

You're almost there. Keep on this road a little ways more and you'll see their house on the left.

 

[gvergara]

Thanks a lot, srta chicken, see you!

 

[harrowmaker]

It is a way to describe a (somewhat) short physical or metaphorical distance.

Example: A little ways on, they came to the end of the ridge.

Example: They have a little ways to go before knowing enough to do well on the test.