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Region: General | Usage example: In the long run the steady plan paid off.

In the long run

Meaning

Considering the distant future.

Usage

Used when thinking about future outcomes.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Race metaphor referencing long stretches.

Popularized in 20th-century economics.

Related Idioms

Make a long story short

Summarize briefly.

Long in the tooth

Getting old.

Long shot

An attempt that has a small chance of success.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.