Definition

Verb (intransitive) 1. To achieve great success or distinction: To attain a high level of accomplishment, prominence, or influence in one's field or endeavors. 2. To have a wide or significant impact: To extend in importance, effect, or application.

Usage and Examples

• To achieve great success:
  • With her talent and determination, she will go far in her legal career.
  • The coach told the dedicated young athlete, "If you keep working this hard, you will go far."
• To have a significant impact / extend in range:
  • A small donation may not seem like much, but it can go far toward helping those in need.
  • The new policy's effects go far beyond the initial problem it was designed to solve.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used in a future or predictive sense ("will go far," "is going to go far") or as a general observation about potential ("can go far"). It is less commonly used to describe past success in a literal sense.
• It often implies a journey or progression from a starting point to a point of greater achievement.

Variants and Related Words

• Go a long way: This phrasal verb is closely related and often interchangeable with "go far" in the sense of having a significant impact or being very helpful. (e.g., )
• Far-reaching (adj): Having a wide range, influence, or effect. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Succeed greatly
• Make it big
• Rise to the top
• Excel
• Propel (in the sense of causing someone to advance)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Set the world on fire: To be extremely successful and admired. (More emphatic than "go far.")
• Make a name for oneself: To become well-known and respected for one's achievements.

Verb

1. extend in importance or range
   • His accomplishments go far
2. succeed in a big way; get to the top
   • After he published his book, he had arrived
   • I don't know whether I can make it in science!
   • You will go far, my boy!