THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In the long run
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
When considering the results over a longer period of time.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Learning the keyboard shortcuts takes time now but saves effort in the long run.
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.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Learning the keyboard shortcuts takes time now but saves effort ________.
Show the answer
In the long run — When considering the results over a longer period of time.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In the long run” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
When considering the results over a longer period of time.
Compare: Learning the keyboard shortcuts takes time now but saves effort in the long run.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use this expression when comparing a later outcome with an immediate cost, difficulty or benefit. It suits everyday discussions of learning, habits and practical choices.
More examples in context
- Regular revision is more useful in the long run than one rushed study session.
- Repairing the sturdy table may work out better in the long run than repeatedly buying weak replacements.
Usage note
Use in the long run, with the. The short run is the contrasting idea. The phrase indicates a longer-term perspective; it does not itself prove that a prediction will come true.
A short conversation
A: These labels will take an hour to organise.
B: They should save us time in the long run.
A: All right. Let’s make the system clear.
One more practice question
What does a benefit in the long run refer to?
A. A benefit considered over a longer period.
B. A benefit that must appear in the next few seconds.
Check your answer
A. The expression shifts attention from the immediate moment to longer-term results.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.