great go
Definition
- Noun (historical, British university slang):
- Final examination for a bachelor's degree in arts: "great go" refers to the final honours examination for the Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Cambridge, especially in classics or mathematics. It is distinct from the "little go" (the preliminary examination).
Usage Examples
- (He took the final BA honours exam at Cambridge.)
- (The exam was known for its difficulty.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily historical and was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is rarely used in modern contexts except in historical discussions of Cambridge University examinations.
- "Little go" (n): the preliminary examination for the BA degree at Cambridge, taken before the "great go".
- He passed the little go easily, but the great go required months of preparation.
Variants and Related Words
- Little go (n): the preliminary examination for the BA degree at Cambridge.
- She completed the little go in her second year. (The preliminary exam.)
- Go (n): a colloquial term for an examination or attempt at something (general slang).
- It was his first go at the exam. (His first attempt.)
Synonyms
- Final honours examination: the exact equivalent in standard academic terminology.
- Tripos (n): the final honours examination system at Cambridge University (though this term is broader and includes all subjects).
Related Idioms
- To have a go at something: to attempt something (general, not specific to Cambridge).
- He decided to have a go at the great go, despite the difficulty. (He attempted the exam.)
Historical Note
The "great go" was part of the Cambridge University examination system before the modern tripos structure was fully established. It was particularly associated with the Mathematical Tripos and Classical Tripos. The term is now largely obsolete in everyday use.