in the long run

Meaning

This expression means in the distant future, or over a long period of time. It is used when discussing the ultimate results of an action, decision, or investment, rather than the immediate, short-term effects. It helps shift focus to the big picture.

Examples

• Buying a fuel-efficient car might be expensive now, but it will save you money in the long run.

  Buying a fuel-efficient car might be expensive now, but it will save you money in the long run.

• Exercising regularly is tough at first, but it pays off in the long run.

  Exercising regularly is tough at first, but it pays off in the long run.

• Although studying every day is tiring, it will help your career in the long run.

  Although studying every day is tiring, it will help your career in the long run.

• Cutting corners to save time now will only cause more problems in the long run.

  Cutting corners to save time now will only cause more problems in the long run.

• It's better to invest in high-quality shoes because they last longer and cost less in the long run.

  It's better to invest in high-quality shoes because they last longer and cost less in the long run.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In the long running, this strategy will fail.

  ✓ In the long run, this strategy will fail.

  The idiom is fixed as 'in the long run'. You cannot use 'running' or other variations.

• ✗ On the long run, you will see the benefits.

  ✓ In the long run, you will see the benefits.

  The correct preposition is 'in', not 'on' or 'at'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Sparing some time to learn coding now will benefit you ___.

  💡 Over a long period of time.

  Show answer

  in the long run

• It might seem expensive today, but it's cheaper ___.

  💡 Looking at the future result.

  Show answer

  in the long run