by far and away

[Arnold Zwicky]

picking up the "away" topic from early last month, in which the
competition between "far and away" and "by far" was noted.  when
there's a competition between expressions sharing material, there's
likely to be blending.  and so there is here: many hits for "by far
and away" (and i heard one on the radio just a little while ago).
it's in Brians:

   You could say that Halloween is by far your favorite holiday, or
you can say that it’s far and away your favorite holiday; but if you
combine the two expressions and say “by far and away” you’ll annoy
some people and puzzle others who can’t figure out why it doesn’t
sound quite right.
   http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/byfar.html

.....

Wedgewood Hotel London: By far and away the worst hotel in existence!!
www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g186338-d243672-r25236502-Wedgewood_Hotel-London_England.html

... and though it may fall short of the Lawrence of Arabia mark he was
aiming for, it's still by far and away a grand, gorgeous, breathtaking
spectacle. ...
www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Calendar/Film?Film=oid%3A141002

The only outstanding features are the Gadget effects, which were by
far and away the most interesting things about the film. ...
www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/219

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