Meaning
Over an extended period of time, considering eventual or final results rather than immediate, short-term effects.
It’s often used to argue that something worth doing may not pay off right away, but will prove beneficial once enough time has passed.
Origin
The phrase is generally linked to racing, where “the long run” originally described the final, longer stretch of a race — the part where stamina and pacing mattered more than a quick early burst of speed, in contrast to a short sprint. Documentation of the exact date and racing context (horse racing versus foot racing) is thin, and the phrase’s rise to its now-common use in economics and everyday planning appears to be a later, gradual broadening rather than tied to a single traceable event. Economist John Maynard Keynes’s famous 1923 remark that “in the long run we are all dead” — a criticism of relying purely on long-term economic reasoning while ignoring present suffering — did not coin the phrase but is credited with cementing its association with economic and financial argument specifically.
Examples
It’s more expensive now, but it’ll save money in the long run.
In the long run, honesty builds trust.
The treatment is uncomfortable, but helpful in the long run.
A: “Is it worth the investment?” B: “Yes, in the long run.”
Frequently asked questions
What does 'In the long run' mean?
Over an extended period of time, considering eventual or final results rather than immediate, short-term effects.
It’s often used to argue that something worth doing may not pay off right away, but will prove beneficial once enough time has passed.