THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Go the extra mile
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To make more effort than is expected or required.
Usage note: keep in mind
Going the extra mile means making an additional effort beyond what is normally expected. It often praises helpful service or commitment. You can go the extra mile for someone or to achieve something. It need not involve travel or unpaid work.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Our teacher always goes the extra mile to help struggling students.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To make more effort than is expected or required.
Show the answer
Go the extra mile — To make more effort than is expected or required.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Go the extra mile” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To make more effort than is expected or required.
Compare: Our teacher always goes the extra mile to help struggling students.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The librarian went the extra mile by finding an accessible edition of the book.
- Nina went the extra mile to make the instructions understandable to new users.
Check your understanding
A tutor supplies the promised lesson and also records an optional pronunciation example. Which part illustrates the extra mile?
Check your answer
The additional recording. It is the helpful effort beyond the basic service, rather than simply completing what was promised.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where go the extra mile fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.