The idiom "go a long way" means to have a significant or lasting effect, to be very helpful or sound, or to last for a long time. It can also mean to cover a great distance or to achieve a lot of success.

In short:

• It means to have a big impact, to last long, to travel far, or to succeed a lot.
• It can be used in positive or negative ways, depending on the context and tone.

What Does "Go a Long Way" Mean?

The idiom "go a long way" can mean to make a significant or lasting difference, to be very useful or helpful, or to last a long time. It can also mean to cover a considerable distance or to reach a lot of success. The idiom can be applied in various contexts and situations, depending on the meaning intended.

Where Does "Go a Long Way" Come From?

The idiom "go a long way" originated from the literal sense of traveling a long distance. Through the years, the expression developed other meanings based on having an effect, being helpful, lasting long, achieving success, etc. These meanings became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries.

10 Examples of "Go A Long Way" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences with different meanings and contexts:

• Holy cow! They went a long way to see the pyramids in Egypt.
• Real talk: A smile can go a long way in making a good impression.
• No worries. This battery will go a long way before it runs out of power.
• Pro tip: A little bit of salt goes a long way in enhancing the dish's flavor.
• Yaas! This book will go a long way in keeping you entertained for hours.
• No diggity. A good resume will go a long way in getting you an interview.
• Fret not. She has gone a long way in improving her skills and confidence.
• No mean feat. She went a long way to visit her grandparents in the countryside.
• Great job! He has gone a long way from being a nobody to being a famous actor.
• Your donation will go a long way in helping needy children in these trying times.

Examples of "Go A Long Way" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of the idiom's appearance in pop culture:

• In the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, Forrest says to Jenny: "You know what I think? I think you should go home to Greenbow, Alabama! And you and little Forrest could come to stay at my house, where there's lots of room. And you and I could be together just like we used to be. That'd make me happy. That'd make little Forrest happy, too!" In this speech, Forrest uses the phrase "I won't be far away" to mean that he will always be there for Jenny and her son, similar to "go a long way.
• In the 2000 song Go The Distance by Michael Bolton, featured in the Disney movie Hercules, the lyrics say: "I'll be there someday / I can go the distance / I will find my way." In this song, Bolton uses the phrase "go the distance" to mean that he will achieve his dreams and goals, similar to the meaning of "go a long way."
• In the 2003 book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling, Harry says to Hermione: "Come on Hermione, it's worth a try! It might go a long way towards showing him we want him back!" In this passage, Harry uses the phrase "go a long way" to mean that it would be very helpful or useful for convincing Sirius to return to Hogwarts.

Other Ways to Say "Go A Long Way"

Here are some synonyms for the idiom:

• Excel
• Persist
• Survive
• Remain
• Make it big
• Make waves
• Rise to the top
• Make an impact
• Reach the pinnacle
• Leave an impression

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Go A Long Way"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "go a long way" mean?

The idiom "go a long way" means to have a significant or lasting effect, to be very helpful or sound, or to last for a long time. It can also mean to cover a great distance or to achieve a lot of success.

• What is the origin of the phrase "go a long way"?

The idiom "go a long way" originated from the literal sense of traveling a long distance. Through the years, the expression developed other meanings based on having an effect, being helpful, lasting long, achieving success, etc. These meanings became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries.

• What are some synonyms for "go a long way"?

Some synonyms for this idiom are make an impact, be of excellent service, endure, travel far and wide, make it big, etc.

• What is the difference between "go a long way" and "go far"?
  

Both idioms can mean to achieve a lot of success, but "go a long way" can also mean to have a significant effect, to be very helpful, to last long, or to travel far.

• Is "go a long way" positive or negative?

The idiom "go a long way" can be used positively and negatively, depending on the context and tone.

• How do you pronounce "go a long way"?

The idiom "go a long way" is pronounced as /ɡoʊ ə lɔŋ weɪ/.

• Is "go a long way" formal or informal?

The idiom "go a long way" is neither formal nor informal. Depending on the tone and style, it can be used in formal and informal situations. For example, you can use the idiom in an academic essay or a casual conversation.

• How do you write "go a long way" correctly?

The idiom "go a long way" is written as three words with spaces between them. The first word is capitalized if it is at the beginning of a sentence or in a title or subheading. The other terms are not capitalized unless they are proper nouns or part of another expression.

• Is "go a long way" an American or British expression?

The idiom "go a long way" is not specific to any country or region. It is used in American and British English, as well as other varieties of English. However, there may be some spelling, pronunciation, or usage differences depending on the dialect or accent. For example, in British English, the word "way" may be pronounced as /weɪ/, while in American English, it may be pronounced as /wɛɪ/.

• How do you use "go a long way" in a negative way?

To use the idiom "go a long way" in a negative way, you can add words or phrases that indicate a negative outcome, consequence, or emotion.

Final Thoughts About "Go A Long Way"

The idiom "go a long way" is a versatile and valuable expression that can be used in various contexts and situations. It can mean having a significant impact, being very helpful, lasting long, traveling far, or succeeding a lot.

In summary:

• It means to have a significant or lasting effect or to last for a long time.
• It originated from the literal sense of traveling a long distance.
• It can be used positively or negatively, depending on the context and tone.
• It can be used in various ways in sentences with different meanings and contexts.
• It has many synonyms, depending on the meaning and context.