# go to great lengths

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-to-great-lengths
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a major effort; to be very careful when doing something, especially to an extreme or excessive degree.

## Examples

- They go to great lengths to keep their garden looking perfect.
- She went to great lengths to find the exact gift her friend wanted for her birthday.
- The author went to great lengths to research historical details, ensuring the novel felt authentic to the period.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.