Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make more effort than expected; to do more than what is required.
Used to praise someone who exceeded expectations or to encourage someone to put in additional effort. Very common in American workplace culture, performance reviews, and motivational contexts. It embodies the American value of exceeding expectations.
Examples
- She always goes the extra mile for her customers. 她总是为顾客付出额外的努力。Ella siempre se desvive por sus clientes.彼女はいつもお客様のために期待以上の努力をする。그녀는 항상 고객을 위해 기대 이상의 노력을 해.
- If you want that promotion, you need to go the extra mile. 如果你想升职,就得多做一些。Si quieres ese ascenso, tienes que dar un paso más.昇進したいなら、もうひと頑張りしないとね。승진하고 싶으면 한 발 더 나아가야 해.
- The restaurant went the extra mile and made a special dish for my allergy. 那家餐厅特地为我的过敏症做了一道特别的菜。El restaurante se esforzó especialmente y preparó un plato especial para mi alergia.そのレストランはわざわざアレルギー対応の特別料理を作ってくれた。그 식당은 특별히 내 알레르기에 맞는 요리를 만들어 줬어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: workplace, service, motivation
Tone: encouraging, appreciative
✓ Do Say
- She really goes the extra mile.她真的付出了额外的努力。Ella de verdad se desvive.彼女は本当に期待以上の努力をするよね。그녀는 정말 기대 이상으로 노력해.
- Go the extra mile and it'll pay off.多做一些,回报自然会来。Haz un esfuerzo extra y merecerá la pena.もうひと頑張りすれば、報われるよ。한 발 더 노력하면 보답이 올 거야.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use it to justify unreasonable expectations — going the extra mile should be praised, not required不要用这个表达来给不合理的要求正名——额外的努力应该被表扬,而不是被强制要求No la uses para justificar expectativas irrazonables — hacer un esfuerzo extra debería ser elogiado, no exigido.不当な要求を正当化するために使わないこと——期待以上の努力は称えられるべきもので、当然のものではない불합리한 기대를 정당화하는 데 쓰지 말 것 — 기대 이상의 노력은 칭찬받아야 하지, 당연하게 요구해서는 안 된다
Origin & History
From the Bible (Matthew 5:41), where Jesus said if someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two. The expression became deeply embedded in American culture, reflecting values of generosity, service, and exceeding expectations.
Cultural Context
Era: Biblical-present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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