go to any lengths

The expression go to any lengths is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the go to any lengths idiom.

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 power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.