- To make a special effort to achieve something or to do more than is expected.
Explanation
Origin
- Biblical origin, from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:41).
- If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
- In Roman times, soldiers could legally compel civilians to carry their gear for one Roman mile (about 1.5 km).
- Jesus's teaching advised followers to not only comply but to do double what was required, turning an imposition into an act of service or goodwill.
- The phrase evolved to mean making any voluntary extra effort beyond the minimum requirement.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Put in the work. (Focuses on effort, less on exceeding expectations)
- Hustle. (Implies hard, energetic work, often entrepreneurial)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Usually expressed by emphasizing the *result* or the *effort* rather than the act of exceeding expectations itself: They fuckin' killed it on that project.)
Milder:
- Do a bit extra.
- Be particularly helpful.
- Show initiative.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, from informal praise to formal performance reviews and marketing slogans.
- Universally positive connotation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Very unlikely to be misunderstood. The metaphorical meaning is well-established.
Examples
- She always goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.
- The hotel staff really went the extra mile to make our anniversary special.
- We go the extra mile for our customers. (Common in business slogans)
Dialogue
Customer: I just wanted to say thank you. Your support agent, Sarah, spent an hour on the phone with me fixing my issue. She really went the extra mile.
Manager: That's wonderful to hear! Sarah is one of our best. I'll be sure to pass along your compliments.
Customer: Please do. It made a big difference.
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn Post: Shoutout to my team who consistently go the extra mile! Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. #teamwork #leadership
- Review: The Etsy seller went the extra mile with beautiful packaging and a handwritten note! Highly recommend. #smallbusiness #customerservice
- Tweet: Always appreciate teachers who go the extra mile for their students. Makes such a difference. #education #teachers
Response Patterns
When praised for going the extra mile:
- Modesty: Oh, it was nothing., Happy to help!, Just doing my job.
- Acknowledgment: Thank you, I appreciate that., We try our best.
When hearing about someone else going the extra mile:
- Agreement/Admiration: That's really great of them., Wow, that's impressive service., They really care.
When being encouraged to go the extra mile:
- Agreement: Okay, I'll see what more I can do.
- Questioning: What exactly do you have in mind?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone describes going the extra mile:
- Expressing gratitude: Thank you so much, that was really helpful/kind.
- Asking for details: Wow, what exactly did they do? (If hearing about a third party)
After praising someone:
- Offering recognition or reward (in a formal context): We really appreciate your dedication.
After being encouraged:
- Clarifying expectations: So, beyond the basic requirements, you'd like me to...?
- Performing the extra action.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Typically used to describe or praise an action that has already happened or to encourage future action.
Intonation
- Usually said with appreciation, admiration, or emphasis.
- Stress falls on go, extra, and mile. GO the EXtra MILE.
Generation Differences
- Understood and used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.