go out of one's way

Idioms  

1. Inconvenience oneself or take extra trouble to do something beyond what is required. For example, He went out of his way to introduce me to everyone there, or She went out of her way to be kind. This usage alludes to deviating from one's intended path or normal procedures. [Mid-1700s]

---

Example Sentences

I have found throughout my tour, what all English travellers must find—that slavery is a question which it is better not to go out of one's way to discuss.

From Canada and the States by Watkin, E. W. (Edward William)

But—well, what a lesson not to go out of one's way to write to casual acquaintances!

From A. V. Laider by Beerbohm, Max, Sir

You are a young man, but your experience has doubtless told you that in this world one does not often go out of one's way to serve a stranger for no purpose at all.

From The Lost Ambassador The Search For The Missing Delora by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)

To go out of one's way to be obliging, to attempt to ingratiate one's self, brings difficulties.

From Villa Elsa A Story of German Family Life by Henry, Stuart Oliver

To strike the great Trunk Road higher up would be to go out of one’s way; to strike it lower down would be to strike the Authie Valley at an impassable point.

From Crécy by Belloc, Hilaire

Related Words

• try
• worry about