in the long run
over an extended period; eventually
In Spanish
over an extended period; eventually
Examples
- In the long run, investing in training will save us money.
- In the long run, you'll be glad you made those sacrifices for your education.
- Although it's tough now, in the long run, this experience will make you stronger.
When it's used
The idiom 'in the long run' is used primarily in spoken and written English to discuss long-term outcomes or consequences of actions or decisions. It is common in both formal and informal contexts and is a fairly standard phrase in the language.
The common mistake
A common mistake is translating the Spanish phrase 'a largo plazo' as 'at long term'. This is incorrect in English, as the proper usage is 'in the long run'.
Related idioms
FROM WHAT YOU READ TO WHAT YOU SAY
Recognising it isn't the same as using it
Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.
Practise speaking→