great go: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete / Very RareArchaic, Informal, Humorous, Ironic
Quick answer
What does “great go” mean?
A non-standard, archaic or colloquial phrase meaning a significant effort, attempt, or notable event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-standard, archaic or colloquial phrase meaning a significant effort, attempt, or notable event; sometimes used as a mild exclamation or intensifier.
Historically used to denote a considerable undertaking or achievement. In contemporary use, it is largely obsolete but may appear in humorous, ironic, or deliberately archaic contexts to mean 'a big effort' or 'a big deal'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is equally archaic in both varieties, with no significant contemporary regional distinction. Historically, it may have had slightly more currency in British English.
Connotations
In both, it now carries a consciously old-fashioned or whimsical connotation when used.
Frequency
Effectively not used in modern standard English. Any modern use is a deliberate stylistic choice to sound quaint or humorous.
Grammar
How to Use “great go” in a Sentence
to make a great go of [something]to have a great go at [something]What a great go!Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Not used in modern academic writing except in historical or linguistic analysis.
Everyday
Only used for humorous or ironic effect in very informal settings.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great go”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great go”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great go”
- Using it in a serious, modern context.
- Treating 'go' as a verb within the phrase (e.g., 'He great goes').
- Confusing it with 'good to go'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or obsolete phrase. Modern use is only for humorous, ironic, or stylistic effect.
No. In this fixed expression, 'go' is a noun. You cannot say 'I will great go to the store'.
Phrases like 'a big effort', 'a serious attempt', or the idiom 'make a go of it' (meaning to try to make something successful).
Dictionaries record historical and archaic usage to aid in understanding older literature and the evolution of the language.
A non-standard, archaic or colloquial phrase meaning a significant effort, attempt, or notable event.
Great go is usually archaic, informal, humorous, ironic in register.
Great go: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈɡəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈɡoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give it a go”
- “make a go of it”
- “all systems go”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'GO' in a board game. A 'GREAT GO' would be a huge, impressive move that takes a lot of effort.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT/EVENT IS A JOURNEY (a 'go' is a movement or attempt). IMPORTANCE IS SIZE ('great' intensifies it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'great go' be MOST appropriate today?