long haul

long haul

1. A difficult task that requires a lot of time and energy to complete. It's going to be a long haul before I have this car up and running. It needs a lot of work.
2. A long distance or journey. Jill knows that obtaining a PhD is going to be tough, but she said she's in it for the long haul. It's a long haul to Fresno, but if we take turns driving it shouldn't be so bad.
See also: haul, long
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

long haul

1. A considerable distance over which something must travel or be carried. For example, It's a long haul from my house to yours. This usage dates from the late 1800s, as does the antonym, short haul, as in The movers charge just as much for a short haul as for a long one.
2. A considerable length of time, an extended period, as in This investment is one for the long haul. It is often put as over the long haul, as in Over the long haul we needn't worry about production. [c. 1930] Also see in the long run.
See also: haul, long
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a long haul

COMMON If you say a task or course of action will be a long haul, you mean that it will need a lot of time and effort. Note: A haul in the following expressions means a journey. Repairing the economy will be a long haul. The bank and its president face a long haul to rebuild their reputation. Note: If you say that you are in something for the long haul, you mean that you intend to continue doing it until it is finished. This project isn't a short-term thing. We're in it for the long haul.
See also: haul, long
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a long ˈhaul

(informal) a long and difficult task or journey: It was a long haul doing the degree part-time, but it was worth it. They started on the long haul back to the camp.
See also: haul, long
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a long haul
  • take trouble over (something)
  • take trouble over/with something
  • take trouble with (something)
  • have a lot of time for (someone or something)
  • have a lot of time for somebody/something
  • see a lot of (one)
  • see a lot, nothing, etc. of somebody
  • put wear (and tear) on (something)
  • put wear on
References in periodicals archive
Of course, there is a competitive reason for this call to comfort: Airbus has always maintained a standard of 18 inch (45.72cm) minimum in its long haul economy cabins.
Airbus calls for long haul comfort standards
* Require the movement of lots of data over big band-width and long haul
Overcoming TCP/IP distance and BER limitations
He expects another three solid years of long haul fiber construction.
Telecoms Offer Exiting, Unpredictable Future
London Gatwick, the UK's second largest airport, has said that it has expanded its long haul network with the addition of a new China Airlines service to Taipei, providing UK businesses with key links to global markets.
Gatwick expands long haul network to 60 routes; adds new China Airlines service
Mr Lewis said the current state of affairs that sees 1.4 million passengers from South Wales having to travel to airports in England for long haul fights each year was a "nonsense."
City airport continues fight to get rid of APD
Air France has announced that it is offering customers travelling on long haul flights in economy class the option of reserving seats with more legroom.
Air France introduces Seat Plus service
Fiberspace is dedicated to providing high performance, low-cost products for metro and long haul applications requiring very close channel spacing.
Fiberspace Truelock External active Wavelength locker nears Telcordia GR-1221 qualification
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said: 'Norwegian's new direct route to Buenos Aires shows that the low cost long haul revolution continues to break new ground.
Norwegian announces new London -Argentina route starting February next year
THOMAS Cook Airlines will operate a one-off flight to Orlando on its long haul Airbus A330 fleet from Cardiff Airport next summer.
One-off flight from airport to Orlando
The 787s are central to Norwegian Air's plans to ramp up its long haul operations to Asia and North America.
Norwegian Air orders four more Boeing 787s
Helsinki-based carrier Finnair said it will install new full flat seats in most of its existing long haul aircraft beginning in January 2014.
Finnair's long-haul jets to get full flat seats
"We welcome this report from the Silk Commission, and of course, in particular, the recommendation to devolve responsibility for long haul Air Passenger Duty to Wales," he said.
Bristol Airport chief fears damage if Air Passenger Duty is devolved