What does “Go the extra mile” mean?
"Go the extra mile" means to put in additional effort or do more than what is expected in order to achieve a goal or satisfy someone.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always goes the extra mile to help his colleagues.
Example
The team decided to go the extra mile to meet the deadline.
Example
She went the extra mile to make sure the event was a success
Is “Go the extra mile” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go the extra mile” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Go the extra mile” effectively in context?
You can use "Go the Extra Mile" to encourage someone to put in extra effort or to describe someone who consistently goes above and beyond. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Work
He always goes the extra mile to help his colleagues.
- 2Meeting Deadlines
The team decided to go the extra mile to meet the deadline.
- 3Event Planning
She went the extra mile to make sure the event was a success.
Similar phrases to “Go the extra mile”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go the extra mile” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go the Extra Mile" can be traced back to biblical times. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches his followers to go the extra mile as a way of demonstrating kindness and generosity. The phrase has since evolved to mean putting in additional effort or doing more than what is expected.
Is “Go the extra mile” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go the Extra Mile" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who puts in additional effort or to encourage others to do the same.
What tone does “Go the extra mile” have?
"Go the Extra Mile" conveys a tone of appreciation and recognition for someone's dedication and hard work. It is often used to praise individuals who consistently go above and beyond expectations.
Can “Go the extra mile” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go the Extra Mile" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of going above and beyond what is required. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always goes the extra mile to help his colleagues.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "go the extra mile"!' to imply the need for additional effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- outperform
- excel
- exert oneself
- do more than expected
- overdeliver
Antonyms
- cut corners
- do the bare minimum
- underperform
- slack off
- take shortcuts
