- Meaning
- This idiom means to make an additional effort beyond what is required or expected, often to achieve excellence, please others, or ensure success. It suggests going above and beyond, like traveling an extra mile to help someone. The phrase is used in professional, personal, or service-oriented contexts to praise dedication or encourage exceptional commitment, carrying an admiring or motivational tone. It reflects cultural values of hard work, generosity, and customer service, emphasizing the rewards of exceeding minimum standards.
- Origin
- The phrase has roots in the Bible, specifically Matthew 5:41 (King James Version, 1611): ‘Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.’ It referred to Roman soldiers forcing civilians to carry loads for a mile, with Jesus advocating extra effort. The modern form emerged in 19th-century Britain, with an 1854 *The Times* article using ‘go the extra mile’ for exceptional service. The idiom gained traction in 20th-century America, particularly in business and customer service, as seen in Dale Carnegie’s *How to Win Friends and Influence People* (1936). Its biblical resonance and practical imagery ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures, especially in corporate and motivational contexts.
- Variants
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- Go the extra mile
- Going the extra mile
- Go an extra mile
- Take the extra mile
- Examples
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- She went the extra mile, staying late to perfect the client’s proposal.
- Going the extra mile, he drove across town to deliver the package personally.
- Go an extra mile for the team, and they’ll appreciate your leadership.
- Take the extra mile to make the event special—it’ll be worth it.
- They went the extra mile, adding personalized touches to the customer’s order.
- Going the extra mile, she tutored her struggling classmate after school.
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