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Synonyms

go the distance

Idioms  

  1. Carry through a course of action to completion. For example, He said he's willing to go the distance with this project. This expression originated in boxing, where it means “to last for all the rounds that have been scheduled.” In baseball the same term means “to pitch an entire game.” For a synonym, see all the way, def. 1.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Throw in the love of a good woman, an old-school workout program, and a belief in miracles, and these two will manage to go the distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Yet this crowded race, which is overstuffed with well-funded candidates equipped to go the distance, might be won with as little as 15% of the primary electorate.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026

Any serious competitor has to be ready to go the distance.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

“Kurt said that Claire is like Rocky,” she says, referring to the iconic character’s grit and determination to go the distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

"If you are a good swimmer, and only if you know you can go the distance, give your things to someone you trust and go now! Now!"

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.