The idiom “as far as it goes” is often used to acknowledge the limitations of something. While it may serve its purpose to a certain extent, it is typically seen as inadequate or incomplete in fully addressing a situation or need.
Meaning of “as far as it goes”
- To the extent it covers: Indicates that something is satisfactory or effective only within a limited scope.
- Partially sufficient: Suggests that while the subject may be helpful or useful, it falls short of being fully adequate.
Examples of usage
“Your proposal works as far as it goes, but it doesn’t address the budget constraints.”
“As far as it goes, the plan to improve public transport is good, but it ignores rural areas.”
“This advice is helpful as far as it goes, but it doesn’t cover all possible scenarios.”
Context and usage
Acknowledging effort but highlighting gaps:
“The policy is effective as far as it goes, but it needs additional measures to be truly impactful.”
Partial approval:
“As far as it goes, this design is innovative, but it doesn’t consider user accessibility.”
Related expressions
- “It’s a start”: Suggests that something is a beginning but not enough.
- “For what it’s worth”: Indicates the value or significance of something, often limited.
- “Up to a point”: Implies that something is effective or true to a certain extent but not beyond that.
How to use “as far as it goes”
Use this idiom when assessing the scope or effectiveness of a plan, idea, or solution. It helps convey partial satisfaction while pointing out room for improvement.
Positive yet critical:
“This solution works well as far as it goes, but we need more data to finalize the decision.”
Encouraging improvement:
“The campaign is impactful as far as it goes, but it lacks outreach to younger audiences.”
Conclusion
The idiom “as far as it goes” is a nuanced way of offering measured approval while acknowledging limitations. It is particularly useful for constructive criticism, allowing for a balanced discussion of strengths and areas needing improvement.
