Go to great lengths Meaning in English

expression

US

GOH tuh GRAYT LENGTHS

UK

goh too GRAYT LENGTHS

Definition

To make a big effort or do everything possible to achieve something, even if it is difficult or extreme.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiom, mainly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often used in the structure 'go to great lengths to do something.' It emphasizes a strong willingness or effort, sometimes extreme or unreasonable. Don't confuse with 'take great pains,' which is more about being careful, not going to extremes.

• Spanish: esforzarse mucho - hacer lo que sea necesario
• Portuguese (BR): fazer de tudo - empenhar-se ao máximo
• Portuguese (PT): fazer todos os esforços - ir ao extremo
• Chinese (Simplified): 不遗余力 - 不惜一切代价
• Chinese (Traditional): 不遺餘力 - 不惜一切代價
• Hindi: हर संभव कोशिश करना - कोई कसर न छोड़ना
• Arabic: يبذل قصارى جهده - يفعل المستحيل
• Bengali: যথাসাধ্য চেষ্টা করা - কোনো কিছুর জন্য সবকিছু করা
• Russian: пойти на всё - приложить большие усилия
• Japanese: あらゆる手を尽くす - 必死になる
• Vietnamese: làm mọi cách - dùng mọi biện pháp
• Korean: 온갖 노력을 다하다 - 극단적인 수단을 쓰다
• Turkish: her yolu denemek - elinden geleni yapmak
• Urdu: کوشش کی انتہا کرنا - ہر ممکن کوشش کرنا
• Indonesian: làm mọi cách - sẵn sàng làm tất cả

Example Sentences

She will go to great lengths to help her children.

basic

People go to great lengths to keep their secrets safe.

basic

The company went to great lengths to fix the problem.

basic

He really went to great lengths to impress his boss—he even learned a new language!

natural

We’re willing to go to great lengths to make sure our guests are comfortable.

natural

You don’t have to go to great lengths—just be yourself!

natural