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in the long runafter a long period of time; eventually

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: after a long period of time; eventually

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn ðə lɔːŋ rʌn/

Example Sentences

  • Eating vegetables may be boring now, but in the long run, your body will thank you more than your taste buds complain.
  • Learning English grammar is painful now, but in the long run, you'll speak better than those who only watch dramas.
  • Investing in renewable energy will benefit the environment in the long run.

in the long run

ADVERB

[/ɪn ðə lɔːŋ rʌn/]

after a long period of time; eventually

Saving a little each month pays off in the long run.
💡 Concept

Saving a little each month pays off in the long run.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn ðə lɔːŋ rʌn/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn ðə lɒŋ rʌn/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase derives from the literal concept of long-distance running in racing, where a 'long run' contrasts with a short sprint. The expression evolved metaphorically to describe outcomes or results occurring over an extended period of time rather than immediately.

Breakdown

in (preposition indicating temporal context) + the (definite article) + long (adjective meaning extended in duration) + run (noun, extended from its literal sense of racing distance to figurative sense of duration or course of events).

🎵Rhyme

sunfundonegun
sun
fun
done
gun

🔗Collocations

in the long run, it's better
pay off in the long run
beneficial in the long run
think in the long run
succeed in the long run
profitable in the long run

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Eating vegetables may be boring now, but in the long run, your body will thank you more than your taste buds complain.

😄 Fun example

Learning English grammar is painful now, but in the long run, you'll speak better than those who only watch dramas.

Investing in renewable energy will benefit the environment in the long run.

Though the new policy seems strict, it will improve productivity in the long run.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

eventuallyultimatelyin due courseover timein the end

Antonyms

in the short termimmediatelyright away

Related

long-termfutureeventuallyultimatelyperspective

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