“Go the Extra Mile”

Written By Henry

💭 Meaning

To “go the extra mile” is to put in extra effort beyond what is required or expected, i.e., exceeding minimum obligations to achieve a better outcome or help someone more thoroughly.

✍️ Examples

  • Henry always goes the extra mile for his students, offering feedback on weekends when deadlines are tight.

  • The admissions officer went the extra mile, personally calling to clarify a missing document rather than simply rejecting the application.

  • Henry's student went the extra mile on her supplemental essay, researching specific professors and courses to mention by name.

📜 Origin

The phrase has Biblical roots, originating from Matthew 5:41 in the New Testament, where Jesus instructs, “whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." This passage referenced a Roman law allowing soldiers to force civilians to carry their equipment for up to one mile; by voluntarily going a second mile, a person demonstrated generosity and grace beyond what was legally required. Over time, the phrase evolved into the more general “go the extra mile," entering common English usage by the 19th and 20th centuries as a way to describe any effort that surpasses what's strictly necessary.

 
Henry
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