Has anyone ever told you that things will work out eventually? Maybe you have been working towards a goal and the end is nowhere in sight. If so, the phrase in the long run may come in handy. Let’s dive into what it means and how to use it. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Anything that takes time to complete or to produce results is considered a long run. The general meaning of the phrase is that something will show results far into the future. The time-lapse for something “in the long run” can range from 3 years to 20 years or more. It is used to refer to things that take time and effort to complete as opposed to those that offer results within a short time frame. For example, running a mile each day will produce positive health benefits over time as opposed to after a single run.
A lengthy period of time or an extensive amount of time passed also explains the meaning of the long run. When someone wants to invest in their future, such as by getting in shape, or even by furthering their education, they are looking for results in the long run. Basically, anything that has extended date of completion can be considered in the long run.
Example Usage
“Proper hygiene and using the right products will give you glowing skin In the long run”.
“In the long run, we want to upload as many pictures of our patient’s progress”.
“Taking the time to work out at least once a day will produce great results in the long run”.
“I know you don’t like waking up early, but the habit will have great benefits in the long run”.
Origin
The phrase in the long run was coined in the early part of the 1600s. It was first used to refer to a marathon runner who needed encouragement to complete his long journey. Later on, the phrase was used by John Maynard Keynes, who is a noted economist. In a quip about economic planning, he states, that in the long run, everyone will be dead. The phrase was also used by George Eliot in 1879 in reference to someone’s marriage. He mentioned that it will either have a short run or go on for the long run.
Phrases Similar to In The Long Run
- Over time
- In the end
- Eventually
- Sooner or later
- One day in the future
- In due time
Phrases Opposite to In The Long Run
- Without delay
- In a flash
- Tip top
- As soon as possible
- Without pause
- Straight off
- Double time
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – in the long run.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say In The Long Run
Some ways that in the long run is used incorrectly are:
- If you want to get good results in the long run, put off working on it now.
- Trying to think about the long run won’t help you plan for a better future.
- I think that in the long run, it would be a good idea if I chose myself since I only have until tomorrow.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase In The Long Run
Some ways that in the long run are used correctly are:
- Hiring more women for management roles will have a positive effect on the overall corporate work culture in the long run.
- In general, certain stocks are going to have a risk of inflation in the long run.
- You may want to spend all your time hanging out with your friends, but you will regret putting off school in the long run.
- When you look at capital investments, high-value returns and savvy choices have the same results in the long run.