Meaning
To last longer than expected.
Cultural Background
In Italy, 'andare per le lunghe' is often expected during meals. A 'pranzo della domenica' that doesn't go long might even be seen as a sign that the guests didn't enjoy themselves. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the phrase is used similarly but often with a bit more frustration, reflecting a culture that values punctuality slightly more than in Southern Italy. While English speakers might say 'it dragged on' with a negative tone, Italians often use 'andare per le lunghe' as a neutral observation of social reality. In Japanese business culture, things 'nagabiku' (drag on) due to the need for consensus (nemawashi), which mirrors the Italian tendency for long discussions to ensure everyone is heard.
The 'Essere' Rule
Always use 'essere' in the past tense. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Not for People
Don't say 'Lui va per le lunghe' to mean he is tall. It only refers to events or processes.
Meaning
To last longer than expected.
The 'Essere' Rule
Always use 'essere' in the past tense. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Not for People
Don't say 'Lui va per le lunghe' to mean he is tall. It only refers to events or processes.
Use with Burocrazia
If you want to sound like a local when complaining about Italian paperwork, this is your go-to phrase.
Polite Complaining
This is a 'safe' way to complain about a delay without sounding too aggressive.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'andare'.
Ieri la discussione con il mio capo ______ per le lunghe.
The subject 'discussione' is feminine singular, and 'andare' requires 'essere'.
Which of these is the correct fixed idiom?
Non voglio che la riunione...
The idiom is always 'per le lunghe' (feminine plural).
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is 2 hours late because of a family lunch.
This is the natural way to comment on a social event that lasted too long.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Com'è andato l'esame? B: Bene, ma ___________ perché c'erano troppi studenti.
The subject is 'l'esame' (masculine singular), so the participle must be 'andato'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Andare vs. Tirarla
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri la discussione con il mio capo ______ per le lunghe.
The subject 'discussione' is feminine singular, and 'andare' requires 'essere'.
Non voglio che la riunione...
The idiom is always 'per le lunghe' (feminine plural).
Situation: Your friend is 2 hours late because of a family lunch.
This is the natural way to comment on a social event that lasted too long.
A: Com'è andato l'esame? B: Bene, ma ___________ perché c'erano troppi studenti.
The subject is 'l'esame' (masculine singular), so the participle must be 'andato'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, if the plot is dragging and taking too long to get to the point, you can say 'La storia va per le lunghe'.
It's neutral. You can use it in a business email or with your grandmother.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'andare spediti' (to go quickly/smoothly).
It's an old ellipsis for 'vie lunghe' (long ways).
No, that's not an idiom. You would say 'tagliare corto' (to cut it short).
It can be, as it accuses someone of wasting time on purpose.
Usually, yes. It implies the duration was more than necessary.
Only if there was a delay. If the flight was scheduled for 12 hours, it didn't 'andare per le lunghe', it was just long.
Use the stare + gerund: 'Sta andando per le lunghe'.
Yes, it is a standard Italian expression used from Milan to Sicily.
Yes, for example: 'Il mio precedente progetto è andato per le lunghe per motivi tecnici'.
'Durare molto' is just a statement of fact. 'Andare per le lunghe' implies a process that felt stretched or delayed.
Related Phrases
tirarla per le lunghe
similarTo intentionally delay something.
andare per il sottile
contrastTo be very meticulous or fussy.
a lungo andare
similarIn the long run.
farla lunga
specialized formTo talk too much about something.
per farla breve
contrastTo make a long story short.
