ɪn ðə lɒŋ rʌn
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Over a long running distance
What does "in the long run" mean?
- Over a long period of time
- When considering the final outcome eventually
Examples
- Exercise is beneficial in the long run.
- In the long run, honesty is always the best policy.
- This investment will pay off in the long run.
Origin
From racing—over a long course, certain advantages become apparent that weren't visible in a short sprint.
How to use it
Very common for discussing long-term consequences or benefits. Often contrasted with short-term thinking.
Similar expressions
eventually
over time
ultimately
in the end
Opposites
in the short term
immediately
right now
Related idioms
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
- have the time of one's life
to have an extremely enjoyable experience
Use it in a practice answer
Try "in the long run" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.