go the extra mile

go the extra mile

To go beyond what is necessary or expected in order to please someone, achieve something, or get something done correctly. I have to say, our lawyer really went the extra mile in making sure every aspect of our case was watertight. Suzy always goes the extra mile to make my birthday special.
See also: extra, go, mile
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go the extra mile

to try harder to please someone or to get the task done correctly; to do more than one is required to do to reach a goal. I like doing business with that company. They always go the extra mile. My teacher goes the extra mile to help us.
See also: extra, go, mile
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go the extra mile

If you go the extra mile, you make a special effort to do or achieve something. The President is determined to go the extra mile for peace. I discovered that going the extra mile has always been a feature of successful people. Note: This expression is variable, for example people sometimes replace go with travel and mile with yard. We will travel the extra mile to arrive at peace. He will be remembered for his willingness to go the extra yard to help people.
See also: extra, go, mile
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

go the extra mile

be especially assiduous in your attempt to achieve something.
This origins of this expression can be traced back to the New Testament injunction ‘And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain’ (Matthew 5:41). The revue song of 1957 by Joyce Grenfell , ‘Ready…To go the extra mile’, may have popularized its use.
See also: extra, go, mile
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go the ˌextra ˈmile (for somebody/something)

make a special effort to achieve something, help somebody, etc: Both sides involved in the fighting say they are willing to go the extra mile for peace.
See also: extra, go, mile
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go the extra mile

Make a special effort to accomplish something, go beyond the norm. This twentieth-century expression may be used to exhort someone to greater effort, as in “The coach wants us to go the extra mile in this game,” or simply to describe additional effort. A 1957 song combines it with several other clichés: “Working like a beaver, Always with a smile, Ready to take the rough and smooth, To go the extra mile” (“All We Ask Is Kindness,” by Joyce Grenfell).
See also: extra, go, mile
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a necessary evil
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • accompanied by
  • accompanied by (someone or something)
  • accompany
  • a crack at (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Will you go the extra mile for a good cause literally?
Step up to back hospice's work
"Comelec and PPCRV will just have to go the extra mile of encouraging voters to register.
Postponement of brgy, SK polls could discourage prompt voter registration
Some people always go the extra mile to help their family.
Elaine always goes extra mile
Although there isn't a one-size-fits-all formula for success, it is within everyone's reach, provided they are ready to go the extra mile, or rather, run a marathon.
Top habits of top students
Samantha Watson, Chair of Optometry Scotland, said: "We know that there are optometrists across Scotland who really go the extra mile for their patients, delivering very personalised care in their communities.
Get your eye care specialist an award
Aspect Software, a provider of native consumer engagement, workforce optimization, and self-service solutions, has announced the GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award which recognizes customer service agents who go the extra mile to provide exceptional customer experiences, the company said.
Aspect Software announces award for customer service agent excellence
Go the extra mile: Through her workshops, Masoud tries to instill an appreciation for this type of lifestyle.
Throwing a dinner party? Wow guests with these expert hospitality tips
Then get ready to go the extra mile in your field of assignment.
There are no traffic jams along the extra mile
"We are incredibly grateful to people like Amanda who are already doing amazing things to support Poppyscotland and we hope her story might inspire others to go the extra mile themselves.
ALAN'S DRIVE FOR POPPYSCOTLAND; INSPIRATIONAL VETERAN'S FUNDRAISING Amanda McNamara explains how her Army veteran dad has inspired her through his efforts to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal after organisation gave him a new lease of life
THE heads of Ireland's churches have urged the leaders of the main parties here to "go the extra mile" to break the talks deadlock.
PRAYING FOR A DEAL; Church leaders in plea to politicians
The Ellerby Country Inn, above, near Runswick Bay, beat thousands of applicants to scoop the Eviivo national Outstanding Host award - designed to celebrate owners who go the extra mile.
Pub celebrates national Outstanding Host award
"Any bold scenes are an absolute no for me," she said when asked if she would be willing to go the extra mile.
Saba won't do it
DOCTOR WHO writer and producer Steven Moffat has admitted that he is happy to "go the extra mile" to keep actress Jenna Coleman in the programme.
Moffat: I'll go extra mile to keep hold of Jenna
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren across the region took to their bikes and pounded the pavements to celebrate Go the Extra Mile Day.
Children ditch lifts for the day