stay the distance

stay the distance

1. To persevere with as much determination, energy, or fortitude as one can muster through to the end of a race, competition, or contest. Despite an early setback in the first half, the American team stayed the distance and managed to earn a draw at the end of the match.
2. To continue attempting or pursuing something difficult to its end or conclusion. If you can't stay the distance when things get a bit messy, then you just aren't cut out for this line of work.
See also: distance, stay
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • stay the course
  • stick (one's) chin out
  • stick your chin out
  • get along without
  • carry on somehow
  • intestinal fortitude
  • have got what it takes
  • eyeballs out
  • what you are made of
  • show (someone) what (one's) made of
References in periodicals archive
A GAMBLER who backed himself to stay the distance was pounds 7, 000 richer yesterday after winning a bet with bookies that he would live to 100.
Gambler is 100 years old - and pounds 7, 000 richer
Crisp, dry and with a lemony/spicy character which makes it a medium-bodied quaffer with a light woodiness to flesh it out and help it stay the distance with food.
Wine rack
"I feared Dazzle might not stay the distance in the 1,000 Guineas, but she was not entitled to be beaten out of sight.
Bon Voyagers
She quickened up well to join the leaders over a furlong out but was soon short of room and weakened badly inside the final furlong as if she didn't stay the distance.
THE EDGE
But after grabbing the winner at Bloomfield Road he is confident Argyle can stay the distance and avoid slipping into League One.
SAWYER'S FOUND A NATIONAL TREASURE; CHAMPIONSHIP
ARTHUR Best, who backed himself to stay the distance, was pounds 7,000 richer today after winning a bet with bookies that he would live to be 100.
Arthur wins his centenary bet
My money is on Jennifer Ellison to stay the distance.
Suasn Lee: Watch out,Gordon
But now the Jambos are back on top of the Premier pile and McPherson is praying they will stay the distance so that he can retire happy.
SLIM CHASES SILVER LINING
We thought he didn't stay the distance and that's why we're dropping him down half a mile in trip in the beginners' chase (3.35).
Promising Urano can make it third time lucky; REST OF THE CARD
The Bikeathon raises cash for Leukaemia Research, and staff from the estate agents have already begun a gruelling training regime to ensure they will be able to stay the distance.
Estate agents accept charity offer
"Three miles on a flat track like Haydock is ideal for him but I don't think he would stay the distance of the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he has so much pace."
McCoy's Gold Cup warning
He has a thigh strain and may not stay the distance.
Smith orders flops to turn on the style
It will be his first time over a mile and a half but I think he will stay the distance."
Bolger expects 'gutsyh orse' to put upa fight; CONTENDER LightHeavy