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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Go to great lengths

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Make a very large effort to achieve something.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. We went to great lengths to make the instructions easy to follow.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Make a very large effort to achieve something.
Show the answer

Go to great lengths — Make a very large effort to achieve something.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Go to great lengths” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

Make a very large effort to achieve something.

Compare: We went to great lengths to make the instructions easy to follow.

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GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this expression when someone takes many steps or puts substantial work into a goal. It fits everyday conversation and more formal writing.

More examples in context

  • The organisers went to great lengths to avoid disturbing nearby residents.
  • She goes to great lengths to keep the family photos safe.

Usage note

Use plural “lengths” and usually add “to” plus a verb. The expression describes effort; it does not guarantee success or always imply approval.

A short conversation

A: Why are there so many checks on this list?
B: We have gone to great lengths to make sure nobody is left out.
A: Let’s check the last few names together.

One more practice question

What does “They went to great lengths to prepare” emphasise?

A. How much effort they made.
B. How little they cared about preparing.

Check your answer

A. The phrase emphasises extensive effort towards the goal.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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