Go the Extra Mile - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

If you are someone dreaming of grabbing a higher band score in the IELTS exam, it is always a good idea to learn to sound natural! Native users frequently use idioms like 'Go the Extra Mile’ in their speech, so you can also be familiar with a few of the more common ones.

So use this idiom - Go the Extra Mile to add variety and depth to your IELTS Speaking answers and showcase your lexical resources, accounting for 25% of the total IELTS band score.

Get ready to learn all about the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ idiom now!

Meaning of the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ IELTS Idiom

This particular idiom “go the extra mile” means to make a greater or special effort than is expected or required, often in order to achieve success, assist someone, or also to deliver excellence. This represents going beyond the standard or a minimum effort and then demonstrates dedication, determination, and a consistent willingness to give one’s best.

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing, the idiom can be very useful as you are discussing hard work, personal achievements, education, customer service, team projects, or even challenges. By using it naturally, you can show the examiner that you do have a strong grasp of idiomatic expressions that enhances your language and make your responses sound more natural and fluent.

For example:

“If the students go the extra mile in their preparation, they can easily achieve higher scores in their IELTS exam.”

Where Did the Idiom ‘Go the Extra Mile’ Come From?

The phrase originates from a biblical reference in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:41). In this it was said, “If anyone forces you to go just one mile, go with them for two miles.”

In the Roman times, citizens could be compelled to carry a soldier’s equipment for at least one mile by law and the message was to show willingness to do more than required, and also as a sign of kindness, humility, or even commitment.

Over the time, this idiom left its religious roots and then became a widely used expression in the English language to describe people who put in their exceptional effort, whether in a professional or in a personal context. Today, it is usually common in business, education, and daily life.

Synonyms of the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ Idiom

Some of the similar expressions that can be used instead of using the idiom “go the extra mile” include:

• Putting in extra effort
• Going above and beyond
• Exceeding expectations
• Doing more than required
• Giving one’s utmost
• Pushing the limits
• Working tirelessly

These are the synonyms that will be especially useful in the IELTS Writing Task 2 when you will be discussing topics about work ethic, education, or success.

Antonyms of the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ Idiom

The opposites of going the extra mile is doing the bare minimum or avoiding effort. Some of the antonyms include:

• Doing the least possible
• Cutting corners
• Slacking off
• Being half-hearted
• Neglecting duties
• Underperforming

Knowing both the synonyms and antonyms of this idiom gives you flexibility to express both the positive and negative attitudes towards the topics on work and responsibility in the IELTS tasks as an alternative to “Go extra mile.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ Idiom

Most of the learners may make mistakes when applying this idiom into use. Here are some of those to watch out for:

• Taking it literally 

This has nothing to do with physical distance or running. This is metaphorical and directly refers to effort.

• Using it for small and everyday tasks 

The idiom should be reserved for important situations wherein someone truly goes beyond expectations.

• Mixing it with totally unrelated idioms 

For example, saying “go the extra rock” or “go the last mile” is actually incorrect.

• Forgetting the actual context 

This should always be related to work, effort, or help and not random or casual activities.

By keeping these top five mistakes in mind, you can use the idiom naturally and perfectly in both the spoken and written contexts.

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Go the Extra Mile’

If you are asked in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 to describe a scenario you helped someone. You could answer to it as follows:

“When my cousin was preparing for her job interview, I decided to go the extra mile to support her. Instead of just giving her advice, I helped her practice mock interviews for several evenings and also we even researched common interview questions. Eventually, she got the job, and she told me that my support made a big difference and offered me a treat.”

This clearly shows the examiner not only your ability to use idioms but also your storytelling and proper organizational skills.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the ‘Go the Extra Mile’ Idiom in Sentences

• If you want to pass the IELTS test with a high score, you have to go the extra mile and get down to learning it now.
• I have just applied for the scholarship to study abroad, so now I need to go the extra mile to improve my GPA.
• He will go the extra mile to break the world record.
• Our mentor went the extra mile by preparing additional practice materials for his students.
• Some big companies go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.
• He always goes the extra mile to make his guests feel welcome.
• If you go the extra mile in your exam preparation, you can easily achieve a high band score in IELTS.
• Volunteers went the extra mile to help the flood victims by distributing food, water and clothing.
• Successful athletes often tend to succeed because they are willing to go the extra mile during their training.

Each of these sentences shows that the idiom is used to describe dedication, effort, and also going beyond expectations. Hence, using it in an accurate manner will help you achieve a greater band score in your IELTS test! 

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