Refers to taking actions beyond practical limits, sometimes causing unwanted effects. He goes to extremes with exercise, risking injury.
Pro Tip 2/3
Intensity Level
The phrase suggests a very high level of effort or intensity that may seem unnecessary to others. She went to extremes to impress her boss, working weekends.
Pro Tip 3/3
Negative Outcomes
Using the phrase often implies that the result could be negative or counterproductive. By going to extremes to save money, they lived without comforts.