go to extremes

go to extremes

1. To take drastic measures toward some goal or end. I'm not surprised that he rigged the student council election—he seems like the type to go to extremes to get what he wants.
2. To act in an excessive or overzealous manner. Don't go to extremes scouring your whole house for my charging cord—just let me know if you happen to see it.
See also: extreme, go
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go to extremes (to do something)

to be excessive in one's efforts to do something. Auntie Jane will go to extremes to make us all comfortable. Let's not go to extremes! We've already spent enough on gifts for the kids.
See also: extreme, go
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go to exˈtremes

,

carry/take something to exˈtremes

behave in a way that is not moderate or normal: She really goes to extremes, spending such huge sums of money on entertaining her friends. You never go out after dark? That’s taking being careful to extremes, isn’t it?
See also: extreme, go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not know enough to come in out of the rain
  • if push comes to shove
  • if/when push comes to shove
  • push comes to shove, if
  • push comes to shove, if/when
  • when
  • when push comes to shove
  • nut-cutting time
  • rig out
  • rigging
References in periodicals archive
In fact, in their drive to entertain, many television programs and motion pictures go to extremes. They either depict the criminal justice system as anything but just, or they create the impression that real-life law enforcement officers can accomplish superhuman feats.
Students for Justice: teaching young people about the justice system
Resin producers go to extremes to prevent contamination of the product shipped, but transportation and handling offer numerous possibilities for resin contamination.
The dirty facts about railcar unloading
Behold the beauty: "Clear as crystal, sharp as a knife, I feel like I'm in the prime of my life." (It's from his 1989 track I Go To Extremes.)
Tattooed LiLo is one silly billy
It is grossly irresponsible of tour companies to go to extremes to make unlimited alcohol available."
Docs' warning over alco-hols
Behold the beauty: "Clear as crystal, sharp as a knife, I feel like I'm in the prime of my life." (It's from his 1989 track I Go To Extremes.) I'd have probably gone for this lesserknown Joel classic: "Foggy as a hangover, cut by a surgeon's knife, I already look like I'm past the prime of my life." Just an idea...
tattooed LiLo is one silly billy