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[1136] Go the extra mile

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To make a special effort; to do more than is expected or required.

Origin

  • Likely alludes to a passage in the Bible (Matthew 5:41, Sermon on the Mount): And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain [two].
  • In Roman times, soldiers could compel civilians to carry their gear for one mile. Jesus advised followers to willingly do more than required.
  • The phrase now signifies exceeding expectations in any context.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Bend over backwards. (Make a great effort, sometimes to the point of inconvenience)
  • Do more than expected.
  • Exceed expectations.
  • Pull out all the stops. (Make the maximum possible effort)
  • Leave no stone unturned. (Try every possible course of action to achieve something)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Go above and beyond. (Very common synonym, slightly more formal but used informally too)
  • Kill it. / Nail it. (Perform exceptionally well, implies great effort and success)
  • Put in the work. (Emphasizes effort, though not necessarily *extra* effort)

Milder/Standard:

  • Made a special effort.
  • Provided exceptional service/support.
  • Did more than was required.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in almost all contexts, informal and formal. Highly positive connotation.
  • Commonly used in business contexts (customer service, employee evaluations).

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Purely metaphorical. Learners shouldn't think it involves actual distance or travel.
  • Focus on the extra effort meaning.

Examples

  • The hotel staff really went the extra mile to make our stay comfortable.
  • She always goes the extra mile for her students.
  • To succeed in this competitive field, you need to be willing to go the extra mile.

Dialogue

Customer: I was so impressed with their customer service.

Friend: Oh yeah? What did they do?

Customer: My package was delayed, so they refunded the shipping and included a discount voucher for next time. They really went the extra mile.

Friend: Wow, that's great service.

Social Media Examples

  • LinkedIn recommendation: Sarah consistently goes the extra mile, delivering exceptional results and always willing to help her colleagues. #TeamPlayer #AboveAndBeyond
  • Tweet: Shoutout to the barista @CoffeeShop who went the extra mile to remake my drink when I spilled it! Made my day! #CustomerService #Kindness
  • Facebook review: The B&B owner went the extra mile, picking us up from the station and giving us local tips. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Response Patterns

  • That was really nice of them.
  • They sound like great employees/people.
  • That's what makes the difference.
  • I appreciate that kind of effort.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After appreciation (That was nice):

  • Might lead to sharing specific examples of the extra effort. Yeah, they even left a handwritten welcome note!

After general agreement (That's what makes the difference):

  • Could lead to further discussion about the importance of exceeding expectations in that context (customer service, teaching, etc.). Absolutely, it builds loyalty.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Used to describe or commend someone's effort.

Intonation

  • Emphasis on GO, EXTRA, and MILE.
  • Usually said with appreciation or admiration.
  • They really WENT the EXTRA MILE.

Generation Differences

  • Universally understood and used.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
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