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Go the extra mile

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

To make additional effort beyond what is required, from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:41.

Detailed Definition
This biblical idiom champions generosity, perseverance, and service. In poetry, it appears in devotional, humanitarian, or mentorship contexts—celebrating unsung labor. Modern poets use it to honor caregivers, activists, or artists working beyond recognition. The journey metaphor aligns with pilgrimage or quest tropes, framing effort as spiritual practice. Its quiet heroism contrasts with grand gestures, making it resonant in minimalist or narrative poems that find dignity in incremental, unseen acts of love or justice.
Example
Example in poetry:
Caregiver poem: “She goes the extra mile—bathes, feeds, sings lullabies long after duty ends”; Teacher tribute: “He goes the extra mile, tutoring kids who’ve given up on themselves”; In activism: “They go the extra mile—march in rain, write letters past midnight”; Love sonnet: “You go the extra mile just to bring me soup when I’m sick—grace in small acts”.
Additional Notes
From Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:41—going beyond Roman requisition of one mile. In poetry, it celebrates unsung labor: caregivers, activists, artists working beyond recognition. The journey metaphor aligns with pilgrimage tropes, framing effort as spiritual practice. Educators can use it to honor quiet heroism in minimalist or narrative poems that find dignity in incremental, unseen acts of love or justice, contrasting grand gestures with sustained, humble service.
Also Known As
Go above and beyond
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