If you say that a task or a journey is a long haul, you mean that it takes a long time and a lot of effort.
Revitalising the economy will be a long haul.
See full dictionary entry for haul
long-haul
adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Long-haul is used to describe things that involve transporting passengers or goods over long distances. Compare short-haul.
...learning how to avoid the unpleasant side-effects of long-haul flights.
long haul in British English
noun
1.
a journey over a long distance, esp one involving the transport of goods
2.
a lengthy job
adjectivelong-haul
3.
over long distances
the unpleasant side-effects of long-haul flights
long-haul in British English
(ˌlɒŋˈhɔːl)
modifier
over long distances
the unpleasant side-effects of long-haul flights
Examples of 'long haul' in a sentence
long haul
It was a long haul back to fitness.
The Sun (2009)
At the same time the weather should begin the long haul back to something resembling acceptability and more.
The Sun (2012)
Instead, wait until you know this significant other is going to be around for the long haul.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Buying in technology will help in the short run, but it is not enough over the long haul.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But wilfully embarking on parenthood when you know full well that you're unlikely to be around for the long haul?
The Sun (2015)
A sense of duty isn't enough for long haul motivation; a sense of purpose is.
Christianity Today (2000)
Passengers face paying three times as much for long-haul flights by booking early.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For long-haul destinations it is 125 per person.
The Sun (2016)
And eight out of the top 20 most popular countries are long-haul destinations.
The Sun (2016)
It's also a great companion for long-haul flights.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It has already cut the number of crew on its long-haul aircraft and given hundreds voluntary redundancy.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Actually it has been installed on some of its new long-haul aircraft.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The real value of a slot is to a long-haul destination.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Just remember that the cost of long-haul flights can push up the overall price.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She worked her way up to become manager when the company launched its long-haul trips.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Silverjet certainly has its eye on other lucrative long-haul routes.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
More than half its passengers fly on long-haul routes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
When pilots and crew are grounded they do not earn the bonuses usually awarded for working long-haul routes.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But three long-haul destinations are dearer.
The Sun (2016)
She no longer makes long-haul trips.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
THAILAND has emerged as the cheapest long-haul holiday destination this year.
The Sun (2009)
It has also retired 23 short and long-haul aircraft.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Some long-haul destinations could be a good bet, though.
The Sun (2013)
Other long-haul services were relatively resilient and down by just 3.1 per cent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Points only last for two years, which makes saving for long-haul trips feasible only for very high earners.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The airline insists that it will be able to fly all of its long-haul services if a strike is called for August.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
From next year the airport will have a longer runway to allow flights to long-haul destinations that are currently available only from Heathrow.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A €500 million investment in upgrading long-haul aircraft is part of the turnaround.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
I'll also be hit by the increase in tax on long-haul flights.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
BA removed at least one crew member from its long-haul services last November as it sought to cut costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Older, more expensive staff fear that the most lucrative long-haul routes on which they rely to top up pay will go to the cheaper staff.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Britain's biggest airport outside the southeast is poised to record the busiest year in its history after a surge in the number of long-haul destinations being served.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
long haul
British English: long-haul ADJECTIVE
Long-haul is used to describe things that involve transporting passengers or goods over long distances.
...learning how to avoid the unpleasant side-effects of long-haul flights.