take great pains: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Take great pains is an idiom that has been used in the English language for many years. It means to put in a lot of effort or take a lot of care to do something. The idiom can be traced back to the late 16th century, where it was first recorded in a book by William Shakespeare called "Love's Labour's Lost." In this play, the character Costard uses the phrase to describe his efforts in finding a wife.

The idiom "take great pains" is often used in a figurative sense. It doesn't mean to physically take pain or cause pain to oneself. Instead, it is a metaphorical expression that conveys the idea of putting in a lot of effort or taking a lot of care. This use of figurative language adds depth and richness to the English language.

People use the idiom "take great pains" to describe a wide range of activities or actions where a person is putting in a lot of effort. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, someone might say "She took great pains to organize the event," meaning that the person put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that the event was well-planned and executed.

Another related idiom is "at pains," which means to take extra care or make an effort to do something. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is being meticulous or thorough. For example, someone might say "He went at pains to explain the details of the project," meaning that the person took extra care and made a special effort to explain the project in great detail.

Similarly, the idiom "go to great lengths" is used to describe someone who puts in a lot of effort or goes to extremes to achieve something. It is often used in situations where someone goes above and beyond what is expected or necessary. For example, someone might say "She went to great lengths to find the perfect gift," meaning that the person put in a lot of effort and went the extra mile to find a special and meaningful gift.

Another related idiom is "dig deep," which means to make a great effort or delve into something in a thorough and determined way. It is often used to describe someone who is putting in a lot of effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge. For example, someone might say "He dug deep to complete the marathon," meaning that the person pushed themselves and made a determined effort to finish the race.

The idiom "someone's heart out" is used to describe someone who is putting in a lot of effort or working very hard. It emphasizes a person's dedication and commitment to a particular task or goal. For example, someone might say "She sang her heart out during the performance," meaning that the person gave their all and put in a tremendous amount of effort and passion.

The idiom "no pain, no gain" is often used to encourage people to work hard and endure difficult or uncomfortable situations in order to achieve success or reach their goals. It suggests that in order to achieve something worthwhile, one must be willing to put in effort and face challenges. For example, someone might say "I know it's tough, but remember, no pain, no gain," meaning that they are encouraging someone to push through the difficulties and challenges in order to achieve success.

The idiom "take great pains" is a commonly used expression that means to put in a lot of effort or take a lot of care to do something. It can be traced back to the late 16th century and is often used in a figurative sense. Other related idioms include "at pains," "go to great lengths," "dig deep," "someone's heart out," and "no pain, no gain." These idioms all convey the idea of putting in a lot of effort, being thorough, and making a great effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge. They add depth and richness to the English language and are widely understood and used in both formal and informal contexts.