gone to extraordinary lengths

Tried exceptionally hard

Gone to extraordinary lengths describes making exceptional effort or taking unusual measures to achieve something, often implying the effort exceeded what was necessary or expected.

The phrase suggests persistence, resourcefulness, or even obsession: She had gone to extraordinary lengths to track down her birth parents.

It can carry admiration or criticism depending on context—heroic dedication or excessive trouble.

Related

tenacity · bravery · commitment · resolve · recklessness · steadfastness · fortitude · ingenuity · dedication · blood sweat and tears · above and beyond · went the extra mile · bent over backwards · moved heaven and earth · extreme measures · pulled out all the stops · left no stone unturned · adaptability

Opposites
effort and exertion

gone to extraordinary lengthsmailed it in

Gave half-hearted effort

coasted · slacked off · cut corners

commitment and dedication

gone to extraordinary lengthsthrown in the towel

Conceded defeat, withdrew

walked away · capitulated

Family

extraordinary, extraordinarily, ordinary, ordinarily, length, lengths, lengthen, lengthened, lengthening

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G