- To complete a difficult task, challenge, or undertaking, especially one requiring endurance and perseverance; to continue until the very end without giving up.
Explanation
Origin
- Believed to originate from boxing in the early 20th century.
- A fighter who manages to stay on their feet for all the scheduled rounds of a match, without being knocked out, is said to have gone the distance.
- The phrase was then extended metaphorically to other situations demanding stamina and persistence (e.g., running a marathon, completing a long project).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stick it out
- Tough it out
- Hang in there (More about enduring difficulty than necessarily completing)
- Grind it out (Focuses on persistent, often laborious, hard work)
- See it to the bitter end (Implies enduring something unpleasant until its conclusion)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Bust your ass till it's done.
Milder/Standard:
- Complete the task/project.
- See it through to completion.
- Persist until the end.
- Achieve the objective.
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally applicable in informal and formal contexts.
- Very common when discussing sports, challenges, projects, careers, relationships, or any long-term goal requiring endurance.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might initially interpret distance only in its literal sense (a physical length).
- It's important to understand the figurative meaning of completing a duration, task, or challenge successfully through perseverance.
Examples
- It's a tough marathon, especially the last few miles, but I'm determined to go the distance.
- Starting a successful business requires more than just a good idea; you need the resilience to go the distance through tough times.
- She wasn't the fastest runner in the race, but she went the distance and finished with pride.
- Their relationship faced many challenges, but they went the distance. (Survived long-term)
Dialogue
Coach: This project deadline is incredibly tight, and the client keeps adding requirements. It feels impossible.
Team Lead: I know it's challenging, but I truly believe this team has the capability and the spirit to go the distance. Let's regroup, prioritize, and push through.
Coach: Alright. Let's give it everything we've got.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Training for my first ultra-marathon! It's daunting, but I'm mentally prepared to go the distance. #UltraRunning #Motivation #Endurance
- LinkedIn Post: Launching a startup takes more than passion. You need the grit and resources to go the distance through the inevitable market fluctuations and challenges. #Entrepreneurship #Perseverance #StartUpLife
- Facebook Status: Rooting for my sister defending her PhD thesis today! You've worked incredibly hard for this moment go the distance! 💪 #PhDLife #AcademicTwitter #ProudFamily
Response Patterns
- Encouragement, acknowledgment of the difficulty, expressing confidence or doubt, admiration.
- I know you can do it! / You've got this!
- It's going to be tough, but I believe in you.
- You definitely have the stamina/grit for it.
- That's a huge undertaking. Are you sure you're prepared?
- Good luck!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
When someone states intent to go the distance:
- Offer support: Let me know if you need anything along the way.
- Ask about their strategy or preparation: How have you been training? / What's your plan for tackling it?
- Inquire about the anticipated challenges: What do you think the hardest part will be?
- Express admiration: That takes real dedication.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually used when discussing a specific, known challenge, goal, or long-term endeavor.
Intonation
- Emphasis typically falls on go and distance. GO the DISTANCE.
- Often spoken with determination, encouragement, or admiration.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
- The association with sports (boxing, racing) helps keep it relevant and easily understood.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions (North America, UK, Aus, etc.).