Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make more effort than what is expected or required.
To “go the extra mile” means to do more than what is required. The phrase comes from the Bible, where someone is asked to walk one mile and chooses to walk two. In modern English, it’s used to describe people who put in extra effort. For example, “The customer service team really went the extra mile to help me.”
How to use it
It’s positive and common at work, in reviews and in thank-you messages, especially about service. It fits both casual and professional English, so it’s safe in emails and job interviews. You’ll also hear “go above and beyond,” which means almost the same thing.
Examples
- The hotel staff really went the extra mile for us.
- She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
- Thanks for going the extra mile on this report.
A common mistake
Keep “the”: go the extra mile, not “go extra mile.” And it isn’t about real distance, so don’t use it just to mean walking farther.
Where it comes from
It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in the Bible (Matthew 5:41): if someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two. Many scholars link this to a Roman practice that let soldiers make local people carry their gear for a mile.
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: Grammarist