It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

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🗓️ Idiom: It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint (expression)

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💬 Meaning

• Success takes time and steady effort.
• Do not expect quick results when working toward a big goal.

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🧠 Example Sentences

• Building a strong client base takes years — it’s a marathon not a sprint.
• Our manager reminded us that improving market share is a marathon not a sprint.
• The startup team knows raising funds is a marathon not a sprint, so they are pacing themselves.

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🏛️ Origin

This phrase comes from the world of running. A marathon is a long-distance race (42 km), while a sprint is very short and fast. The comparison became popular in the late 20th century to describe projects or careers that need patience and endurance, not quick speed.

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📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blank:
“Growing a business takes time — it’s __________, not a sprint.”

Answer

a marathon

2. Multiple choice:
What does “it’s a marathon not a sprint” mean?
a) You should always work as fast as possible.
b) Success needs time and steady effort.
c) You should not try to run a race.

Answer

b) Success needs time and steady effort.

3. Change the sentence using “it’s a marathon not a sprint”:
“Reaching our long-term sales goals will not happen quickly.”

Answer

“Reaching our long-term sales goals is a marathon not a sprint.”

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ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

📚 Learning Resources

👉 Idioms for Motivation & Perseverance
👉 Business English Idioms List

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