Go the extra mile
Meaning: To make more effort than expected or required
To exceed expectations, provide exceptional service, or put in additional effort beyond what's strictly necessary. Shows dedication and willingness to do more.
Examples
- She always goes the extra mile for her customers. 她总是为客户付出更多Siempre hace un esfuerzo extra por sus clientes彼女はいつも顧客のために一歩先を行く그녀는 항상 고객을 위해 한 발 더 나아간다.
- If you want to succeed, you need to go the extra mile. 如果你想成功,就得加倍努力Si quieres triunfar, tienes que hacer un esfuerzo extra成功したいなら、人一倍努力する必要がある성공하고 싶다면 남다른 노력을 해야 해.
- The team went the extra mile to meet the deadline. 团队加倍努力赶上了截止日期El equipo hizo un esfuerzo extra para cumplir el plazoチームは締め切りに間に合わせるために全力を尽くした팀은 마감에 맞추기 위해 최선을 다했다.
Pronunciation
/ɡəʊ ðə ˈekstrə maɪl/
Usage Guide
Context: work, service, effort
Tone: appreciative, encouraging
✓ Do Say
- Go the extra mile多走一步Hacer un esfuerzo extraもう一歩先を行く한 발 더 나아가다
- Always go the extra mile总是付出更多Siempre da un paso más常に期待以上のことをする항상 기대 이상으로 해
✗ Don't Say
- Very common in business contexts在商务场合非常常见Muy común en contextos empresarialesビジネスの場面で非常によく使われる비즈니스 상황에서 매우 흔히 사용됨
Common Mistakes
- None—universally understood
Origin & History
From the Bible (Matthew 5:41), where Jesus says 'if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.' The original context was Roman soldiers who could compel civilians to carry their packs for one mile.
Etymology: From the Bible, Matthew 5:41
First recorded: Biblical origin, popular phrase 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: Biblical origin, modern usage
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Business motivation; Customer service training
Regional notes: Universal across English-speaking world.
Variations
Related Phrases
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