Go the extra mile

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral
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Meaning: To make more effort than expected or required

付出超出预期或要求的努力
Hacer más esfuerzo del esperado o requerido
期待以上の努力をする
기대 이상의 노력을 하다

To exceed expectations, provide exceptional service, or put in additional effort beyond what's strictly necessary. Shows dedication and willingness to do more.

超越期望,提供卓越的服务,或付出超出严格必要范围的额外努力。体现奉献精神和愿意做更多的态度。
Superar las expectativas, ofrecer un servicio excepcional o hacer un esfuerzo adicional más allá de lo estrictamente necesario. Demuestra dedicación y voluntad de hacer más.
期待を超え、優れたサービスを提供し、厳密に必要なこと以上の努力をすること。献身と、より多くのことをしようとする意欲を示す。
기대를 뛰어넘어 탁월한 서비스를 제공하거나 꼭 필요한 것 이상의 추가적인 노력을 기울이는 것. 헌신과 더 많은 것을 하려는 의지를 보여준다.

Examples

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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

Go the extra mileGoing the extra mileWent the extra mile

Related Phrases

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Taking the Mickey ★★★★★ Making fun of someone or something; teasing Brilliant ★★★★★ Excellent, wonderful (British emphasis) No Worries ★★★★★ It's fine, don't worry about it, you're welcome Fair Enough ★★★★★ That's reasonable, I accept that You Know What I Mean ★★★★★ Do you understand? (seeking confirmation) It's Not Rocket Science ★★★★★ It's not that complicated or difficult
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