long game

Meanings

1. 1nounsingularfigurative

   A strategy that accepts slow or small results now in order to gain a bigger success far in the future.

   Grammar: Usually singular with the: she is playing the long game.

   Patterns

   • play the long game
   • focus on the long game

   The investor ignored short-term dips because she was playing the long game.

   Building trust with customers is part of the long game.

   He knew it would take years, but he was committed to the long game.

2. 2nounsingularsport

   In golf, the part of play that involves hitting the ball a great distance, such as drives and long fairway shots.

   Grammar: Usually singular with the: his long game is strong.

   Patterns

   • improve your long game

   His long game is excellent, but he struggles on the greens.

   She spent the winter working on her long game.

Common combinations

play the long game

Small businesses that play the long game often outlast flashy rivals.

think about the long game

When you negotiate, think about the long game, not just today's deal.

in it for the long game

We are in it for the long game and will not chase quick profits.

the long game pays off

For her, the long game finally paid off when the firm won the contract.

Synonyms and how they differ

long-term strategy

Long-term strategy is more neutral and formal, while long game is a casual image drawn from sport.

patience

Patience describes a quality of waiting calmly, but a long game is an actual plan built around waiting.

slow burn

Slow burn describes something that develops gradually, while long game describes the planner's intention.

Opposites

Word family

short game noun

in golf, play close to the hole; also a focus on quick results

long-term adjective

lasting or planned for a long period

long-run noun

the distant future viewed as a result of present actions

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “long game”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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