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for the long run

for the long run

13 3.3
Over a long time into the future
  • idiom
: a largo plazo
  • That's why I am with you for the long run.
  • invest for the long run
  • plan for the long run
  • good for the long run

I think that I think that we are best off with a, with a society in which companies are able to plan for the long run.

Examples

  • And you're in it for the long run, honey.

    Blog text (30)
  • Without such a tandem approach, I fear we will not ensure the place of the arts in the elementary and secondary curriculum for the long run.

    Academic text (1995)
  • We have to be in this for the long run.

    Academic text (2002)
  • But, of course, for the long run, it's had a tremendously positive impact.

    Blog text (23)
  • I do hope that it is someone newish who will be willing to hang in there for the long run.

    Blog text (3)
  • BRAC transformed over time from an emergency relief organization to one focused on rural and community development for the long run.

    Blog text (10)
  • I hope we are able to keep both Smith and Kaep for the long run; they make a phenomenal tandem.

    Blog text (2)
  • It will be very interesting to watch the 49ers QB situation for the long run.

    Blog text (3)
  • It is very hard to beat a well-diversified stock portfolio for the long run; see Wharton's Jeremy Siegel's book.

    Blog text (27)
  • We have to be in this for the long run.

Synonyms

long-term
vsfor the long run
802 3.0

Lasting for a long time

covers extended duration with attention to future consequences
long term
vsfor the long run
770 3.0

A time that continues far into the future

refers to extended time with concern for future results
long run
vsfor the long run
195 3.2

A long time when you see the final result of actions

emphasizes extended duration with attention to future consequences
in the long term
vsfor the long run
63 3.7

A long time when you think about future results

covers extended time while focusing on distant future outcomes
long-run
vsfor the long run
47 4.2

Happening over a long time, not just now

applies to extended time while stressing future implications

How Long

permanently
215 2.9
for the long run
13 3.3
briefly
345 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

for + the + long + run

The phrase combines 'for' (duration) with 'long' + 'run' (a continuous period), so the sense 'for an extended period of time' is directly inferable from the constituents. The metaphorical use of 'run' to mean a stretch of time is common cross-linguistically and follows normal English composition patterns, making the meaning predictable to a B1 learner who knows the words.

Etymology

For the long run may come from the image of a long race. If you can run a long way you keep going rather than stopping, so something that is good for the long run will last 'into the future'.