over the long haul

Over or after a long or extended period of time into the future. While the company was initially criticized for their new marketing strategy, it seems to have paid off for them over the long haul. I know it's a lot of money to spend on a mattress, but trust me, it will be worth it over the long haul.

See also: haul, long, over

over the long haul

and in the long haul; in the long run

Fig. long term; over a long period of time. over the long haul, this model will prove best. This will last in the long haul.

See also: haul, long, over

over the long haul

mainly AMERICAN

COMMON If you talk about the effect or result that something has over the long haul, you are talking about its effect over a long period of time. Note: A haul in the following expressions means a journey. The smart economic message for the nation is that careful leadership, coupled with patience, will accomplish more over the long haul. It's an investment that should pay off over the long haul.

See also: haul, long, over

over (or for) the long haul

over (or for) an extended period of time. chiefly North American

See also: haul, long, over

over the long ˈhaul

over a long period of time: Over the long haul, shares still remain the best form of investment.