go the distance

go the distance

To persist with some activity or goal until its completion. I think this team is good enough to go the distance and win the championship, don't you?
See also: distance, go
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go the distance

Fig. to do the whole amount; to play the entire game; to run the whole race. (Originally sports use.) That horse runs fast. I hope it can go the distance. This is going to be a long, hard project. I hope I can go the distance.
See also: distance, go
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go the distance

Carry through a course of action to completion. For example, He said he's willing to go the distance with this project. This expression originated in boxing, where it means "to last for all the rounds that have been scheduled." In baseball the same term means "to pitch an entire game." For a synonym, see all the way, def. 1.
See also: distance, go
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

go the distance

COMMON If you go the distance, you complete what you are doing and reach your goal. Dave Hilton, back from World Cup duty, failed to go the distance when he was forced off with a muscle strain. Note: You can also say that someone goes the full distance. Julian is entitled to natural justice and we are prepared to go the full distance. Note: A boxer who succeeds in fighting until the end of the match is said to `go the distance'.
See also: distance, go
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

go the distance

complete a difficult task or endure an ordeal.
Go the distance is a metaphor from boxing that means, when used of a boxer, ‘complete a fight without being knocked out’ or, when used of a boxing match, ‘last the scheduled length’. In the USA there is an additional baseball-related sense: ‘pitch for the entire length of an inning’.
1998 Times ‘Everyone wants to see an amateur who can go the distance,’ another spectator said. Kuchar has certainly gone the distance.
See also: distance, go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go the (full) ˈdistance

continue playing in a competition or sports contest until the end: Nobody thought he would last 15 rounds but he went the full distance.
See also: distance, go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in striking distance (of someone or something)
  • in spitting distance (of someone or something)
  • within spitting distance
  • don't quit trying
  • put some distance between
  • put some distance between (someone or something)
  • put some distance between someone and someone/something
  • into the distance
  • drive on
  • fight on
References in periodicals archive
Recommendations P Smith v T Dodson to go the distance 2pts 4-5 Ladbrokes P Smith on points 1pt 13-8 Hills, Ladbrokes K Brook rd 4 0.5pt 8-1 Lads, VC K Brook rd 5 0.5pt 9-1 Ladbrokes
Smith can show he is more than just a pretty boy; BOXING: Sky Sports 1, 10pm
``You could definitely go the distance if you've got the stamina.''
Movie mad in FACT; Former magazine mogul James Brown tells Chris Brown about his eclectic selections for the FACT film festival
"But having strong relationships that go the distance in good times and bad and knowing how to manage the separation process can improve outcomes for everyone."
Help for parents while separating; Charity Relate announces rise in calls for help
Recommendation Fight not to go the distance 1pt 11-8 Ladbrokes
Scousers set for a tear-up; BOXING: QUIGLEY v SMITH Sky Sports 1, 10pm
PEOPLE are being asked to limber up and go the distance for charity.
Runners to aid charity
Some people can't go the distance. I think I'm just programmed that way."
Out to win: ten U.S. athletes heading to Gay Games IV in Sydney talk about why they compete. (Gay Games VI Sydney, Australia)(Cover Story)
TV presenter Sharron said: ''Triathlon is a real athletic test but with plenty of planned training anyone who's fairly fit can go the distance.''
Can you make it a triple for Sharron?
Some take the trip slowly, stopping frequently to rest and refuel, but many go the distance without stopping.
Clouds in the coffee
In his fight against Andre Berto two years ago (left), Mayweather won by a unanimous decision but said: "A fighter like Berto isn't even supposed to go the distance with Floyd Mayweather, but remember, I was 38.
MAC TO THE WALL FOR MAYWEATHER; MAYWEATHER v MCGREGOR LAS VEGAS AUGUST 26; Rusty Floyd insists McGregor's size & youth gives him the edge
Wavertree's 'Bomber' admitted to Billows he had concerns but the Everton fitness guru promised him he would be able to go the distance.
Bellew thanks to Blues staff; They told me I wouldn't run out of gas
"His opponent wants a big scalp to improve his own status but he will have to be sure he has the stamina to go the distance.
Max facing a tough test in Denmark; BOXING
If it goes the distance then you would have to say Wladimir Klitschko but it isn't going to go the distance. Haye's a shrewd cookie and will have the game-plan just right." But Burns' trainer Billy Nelson thinks the Ukrainian will rise to the challenge.
BURNS BACKS HAYE-MAKER
You could back a three-set match at 11-10, but with every chance of a tie-break the shorter price is the better value as it may prove successful even if the match fails to go the distance.
Fernandos set for a battle; TENNIS
A survey of more than 2,000 people across Ireland and the UK, showed 61% of people said they wanted to go the distance, while 54% said they were fit enough to do it within a year.
Most hoping to hit road for fitness
The plucky Girls Aloud star proves she will easily go the distance on the strength of her own unique talent.
Singles of the Week