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general::
1. A considerable distance over which something must travel or be carried. For example, It's a long haul from my house to yours. This usage dates from the late 1800s, as does the antonym, short haul, as in The movers charge just as much for a short haul as for a long one. 2. A considerable length of time, an extended period, as in This investment is one for the long haul. It is often put as over the long haul, as in Over the long haul we needn't worry about production. [c. 1930] Also see IN THE LONG RUN.
American Heritage Idioms