go a long/some way towards doing something
go a long way toward (doing something)
To be particularly helpful or useful in achieving some action or goal. Don't do anything rash—patience will go a long way toward bringing you allies in this situation. You know, apologizing would go a long way toward mending your friendship with John.
See also: go, long, toward, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
go a long way toward
Have considerable effect or influence on. For example, This argument goes a long way toward proving the scientists are wrong, or, as Eudora Welty put it in The Ponder Heart (1954): "It went a long way toward making him touchy about what Uncle Daniel had gone and done." This idiom, then put as go a great way toward, was first recorded in 1697.
See also: go, long, toward, way
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
go a long/some way towards doing something
help very much/a little in achieving something: The new law goes a long way towards solving the problem.See also: go, long, something, towards, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- go a long way toward
- go a long way toward (doing something)
- go a long way toward doing
- go a long way in (doing something)
- go a long way
- proper
- go through (the proper) channels
- go through channels
- stick at nothing
- make a move