PhrasesHub

going the distance

    Definitions

      • to complete a difficult task or achieve a challenging goal
        to describe someone's commitment to achieving success, especially in the face of obstacles or challenges

      • to make a great effort
        to emphasize the amount of effort or determination someone is putting into a particular task or endeavor

    Examples of going the distance

    • The boxer fought through injuries and fatigue to go the distance in the championship match.

      This is a classic example of the idiom "going the distance." It refers to persevering and finishing what you started, even when faced with obstacles or challenges. In this case, the boxer showed great determination and resilience by continuing to fight until the end of the match, despite suffering injuries and feeling tired.

    • The entrepreneur has been working on her startup for years, and she's continued to go the distance through the highs and lows.

      This usage of "going the distance" highlights the idea that this entrepreneur is committed to her business and has persisted through both the easy and difficult times. The idiom emphasizes her unwavering dedication and effort, as well as her ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

    • The ballet dancer's training was grueling, but she went the distance, and now she's a principal dancer in one of the world's leading ballet companies.

      This use of "going the distance" demonstrates the idiom's significance in showcasing someone's persistence and hard work. The dancer's training was intense, but by continuing to put in the time and effort required, she was able to achieve her dream of becoming a principal dancer.

    • The athlete pushed herself beyond her limits, going the distance in the race and breaking the world record.

      This example highlights the idea that "going the distance" isn't just about finishing – it's about excelling and exceeding expectations. The athlete's determination and effort allowed her to surpass the existing world record, solidifying her place as a top competitor in her sport.

    • In the boxing match last night, the underdog went the distance with the champion.

      The idiom "going the distance" in this example refers to completing the entire duration of a boxing match, which is typically 12 rounds. In this instance, the underdog, who was not expected to win, was able to last all 12 rounds and didn't give up or get knocked out.

    • Although it was a grueling project, our team went the distance and delivered the final product on time and within budget.

      Here, "going the distance" represents persisting through a difficult or challenging task until its completion. In this case, the team's hard work and dedication paid off, as they were able to finish the project within the specified timeframe and financial constraints.

    • The marathon runner went the distance, crossing the finish line to claim the top spot.

      Similar to the previous example, "going the distance" denotes sticking with something until the end. In this context, the runner succeeded by finishing the marathon, demonstrating endurance and determination.

    • As a promising young athlete, she showed us that she has the potential to go the distance in the future.

      This usage of the idiom signifies that the athlete has the ability and talent to continue achieving success in the future. By keeping it together and persevering through challenges, she has demonstrated a quality that suggests she will succeed in the long run.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "going the distance" is often used to describe someone's determination and commitment to achieving success, especially in the face of challenges or obstacles. It can also emphasize the amount of effort or determination someone is putting into a particular task or endeavor. Overall, the idiom conveys a sense of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of a goal.

    Origin of "going the distance"

    The origin of the idiom "going the distance" can be traced back to the world of sports, particularly boxing and horse racing. In boxing, it refers to a fighter's ability to last the entire scheduled number of rounds in a match, showing endurance and determination. In horse racing, it refers to a horse's ability to maintain its speed and stamina throughout a race, especially in longer distance races.

    Over time, the idiom has been adopted into everyday language to describe determination and perseverance in various contexts, not just in sports. It has become a popular way to convey the idea of making a great effort and being committed to achieving success, regardless of the challenges faced.