go to any lengths

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase go to any lengths, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression go to any lengths used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "go to any lengths"

Meaning

The idiom ‘go to any lengths’ is an expression used to describe when someone is willing to take extreme measures in order to achieve a goal or complete an objective. It is a phrase that implies that one is willing to do whatever it takes, even if uncomfortable or inconvenient, in order to reach a desirable outcome. The phrase is usually used to describe someone as being determined, aggressive, or ambitious in pursuing something that they desire.

Etymology

The idiom ‘go to any lengths’ has its origin in the mid-1700s and has been widely used since then. Originally, the phrase began as ‘go to any length’, however in more recent times, the ‘s’ has been added to emphasize the phrase. It is believed that the phrase comes from the Old English term ‘langen’ which means ‘length’. The expression is derived from the idea that a person will go as far as they need to in order to get what they want.

Usage

The idiom ‘go to any lengths’ is typically used in a positive light, to describe someone when they are ready to go to the extreme to pursue something. It might be used to describe actions that are beneficial for the person in pursuit, such as a student working hard for a good grade, or a businessperson striving to get their business successful. However, it can also be used in a negative context to describe someone’s obsessive behavior, such as when someone is consumed by trying to prove themselves better than others.

Example Sentences

• He was willing to go to any lengths to get what he wanted.
• She was determined to go to any lengths to be successful in business.
• He was known to go to any lengths to prove that he was smarter than everyone else.
• She was ready to go to any lengths to get a good grade on the test.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.