long haul

[lawng hawl, long]

noun

1. a relatively long period of time, especially a period of considerable effort or difficulty: In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   We are in this for the long haul and will continue pressing for change wherever we find avenues worth the pursuit.

   In the long haul, he'll regret having been a college dropout.

   It'll be a long haul before anyone can prove that a particular chemical causes this disease.

2. a relatively great distance or journey.

   It's a long haul from Maine to Texas.

3. Nautical.,  the drawing up on shore of a vessel for a relatively long period of time, as for winter storage or longer.

adjective

1. noting or relating to travel or transport of freight or passengers over relatively great distances, especially by truck or airplane.

   Air India's first long-haul flight to London was launched on June 8, 1948.

2. Pathology.,  relating to or being a condition characterized by symptoms or health problems that linger or first appear after supposed recovery from an associated acute illness or active infection: long-haul syndrome.

   long-haul COVID;

   long-haul syndrome.

long haul

noun

1. a journey over a long distance, esp one involving the transport of goods

2. a lengthy job

Word History and Origins

Origin of long haul¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

A considerable distance over which something must travel or be carried. For example, It's a long haul from my house to yours . This usage dates from the late 1800s, as does the antonym, short haul , as in The movers charge just as much for a short haul as for a long one .

A considerable length of time, an extended period, as in This investment is one for the long haul . It is often put as over the long haul , as in Over the long haul we needn't worry about production . [c. 1930] Also see in the long run .

Example Sentences

Private assets work differently: They have historically delivered strong returns over the long haul, but there are restrictions on when and how cash can be removed during that time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We advise passengers to check their flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport and arrive no earlier than three hours before a long haul flight or two hours for a domestic flight."

Read more on BBC

It looks, for now at least, like Helton will stay at Georgia Southern for the long haul.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But here’s the catch: If you’re serious about controlling infectious disease, as the U.S. used to be, you commit to the long haul.

Read more on Salon

The former Michigan star could help shoulder more of the load if the Rams want to keep Williams — their newly minted $23-million investment — fresh for the long haul.

Read more on Los Angeles Times