interjection

way to go

WAY tuh GOH

Way to go (interjection) means Said to congratulate someone and show you are impressed by what they have just done. Example: “Way to go, you passed on the first attempt!”

interjection

Said to congratulate someone and show you are impressed by what they have just done.

"Way to go, you passed on the first attempt!"

"Way to go, team — that's three wins in a row."

ironic Said sarcastically to someone who has just made an obvious mess of something.

"Way to go, you've locked the keys in the car."

"Way to go — you told her about the surprise party."

noun phrase

A distance still left to cover, or progress still to be made, in the phrase "a way to go".

"The fundraiser has a way to go before it hits target."

"She's improving, but there's still a long way to go."

How to Use Way to go

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short cheer meaning "nicely done".

When to use it

Informal and American in origin, now general. Tone of voice alone separates the praise from the sarcasm.

Memory tip

With no article it is praise; with "a" in front of it, "a way to go" means distance remaining, which is a completely different sense.

Easily confused with

a way to go no way to go

Common pairings

way to go, mate a long way to go way to go, champ

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, you passed on the first attempt!

Synonyms

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nice one well done good job attaboy bravo

Related Words

congratulations praise bravo ole mercenary attaboy good job hats off

Rhymes for way to go

Togo logo gogo pogo Bogo mogo

See all rhymes for way to go →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is way to go sarcastic or genuine?

It can be either, and only delivery tells you which. Said brightly straight after a success it is praise; said flatly after a blunder it is a reproach.

What is the difference between "way to go" and "a long way to go"?

"Way to go!" is congratulations. "A long way to go" means a lot of progress is still needed, so it is closer to criticism or realism than praise.

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