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“Go the extra mile” 🚶♂️
Meaning: To exceed expectations and take initiative by doing more than what is required.
Origin
The phrase “go the extra mile” originated from the biblical story of Jesus, who told his disciples to sell their possessions and give to the poor, saying “Sell your possessions and go and store your goods in a place where moth and rust do not destroy them.” When they refused, he said, “Who then is the fool? Which one of you agrees that ‘If a man has two shirts let him take one off’?” (Luke 12:33-34). The phrase was later popularized by the U.S. Army during World War II, where it was used to motivate soldiers to go above and beyond their duties.
Real-Time Example
Imagine you’re working as a barista on a busy Saturday morning. Your shift is supposed to end in two hours, but your manager asks you to stay for an extra 30 minutes to help with the lunch rush. You’re tired and want to leave, but you decide to “go the extra mile” by offering to make drinks for the restaurant’s catering team instead.
“Can I get you anything else? I’d be happy to grab some more pastries or refill your coffee cups,” said Sarah, smiling at the waiting customers as she expertly juggled multiple orders.
Other Everyday Contexts
| Situation | Usage |
|---|---|
| When asking for a promotion at work | “I’ve been with the company for three years and consistently delivered excellent results. I believe going the extra mile has shown my dedication and commitment to this role, and I’d like to discuss a possible salary increase.” |
| In a customer service interaction | “I know you’re upset about your order being delayed, but can I offer to reship it to you free of charge? That way, you’ll receive your package within the next 24 hours, which is even faster than our original estimated delivery time.” |
| When helping a colleague with their workload | “Hey John, I noticed you’ve got a lot on your plate today. Can I help out by taking some tasks off your list? We can work together to get everything done efficiently and effectively.” |
In short: Exceeding expectations and going above and beyond is key to achieving success and building strong relationships.