Idiom
so far so good
Everything is progressing successfully or without problems up to this point in time.
Meanings
Used to express that things have been progressing successfully or without issues up to the present moment.
Definition
This idiom is used to indicate that a situation, project, or process has been going well and without difficulties until now. It often implies a sense of ongoing progress, acknowledging that while current results are positive, the outcome is not yet final. It's a common phrase for giving a positive update on current status.
Examples
- We're halfway through the hiking trail, and so far so good; everyone is still feeling energetic.
- "How's your new marketing campaign going?" "Oh, so far so good, the initial feedback has been very positive."
- The surgeon confirmed that the recovery from the operation was going well, so far so good, but the patient still needed rest.
- They've been building the new furniture for hours, and the assembly instructions have been clear, so far so good.
- My car started perfectly this morning, so far so good, even after being parked outside in the freezing temperatures.
Common mistake
A common mistake is using "so far so good" to refer to distance or literally meaning 'up to that point, it was good' instead of its idiomatic sense of satisfactory progress.
Learn this in a path
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More adverbial phrases
- out of the blue Suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning.
- in the long run Eventually, over a long period of time, considering ultimate outcomes rather than immediate ones.
- in the interim During the period of time between two events or moments.
- on the other foot The situation has reversed, putting someone in the opposite position, often one of disadvantage.