The spelling of the phrase "goes past" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɡoʊz pæst/. The first sound, /ɡoʊz/, is the voiced velar consonant "g" followed by the diphthong "oʊ" which produces a long "o" sound. The second word, /pæst/, includes the voiceless bilabial consonant "p" and the short "a" sound pronounced with the tongue farther forward in the mouth. The word "past" also ends with the voiceless alveolar fricative "s" sound.
"Goes past" is a phrasal verb that is used to describe a situation or action in which something or someone moves beyond a certain point or surpasses a particular limit or expectation. It denotes the act of advancing or progressing further than a particular point or level.
In a literal sense, "goes past" can refer to physically moving beyond a specific location or reaching a destination that is further than originally intended. For example, if someone takes a wrong turn while driving and ends up traveling beyond their desired route, they are said to have "gone past" their intended destination.
In a more figurative sense, "goes past" describes exceeding or surpassing a certain limit or boundary. This can apply to various scenarios, such as surpassing someone's expectations, exceeding a target or goal, or achieving a higher level of accomplishment. For instance, a student who consistently receives high grades and achieves academic success that surpasses their peers "goes past" the typical standards of achievement.
Additionally, "goes past" can also imply going beyond the acceptable limits of behavior or propriety. In this context, it suggests behaving in a manner that is inappropriate, unethical, or morally wrong. For example, someone who crosses the line by engaging in dishonest practices while conducting business "goes past" the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Overall, "goes past" signifies the act of surpassing, exceeding, or moving beyond a particular point, boundary, or expectation, either literally or metaphorically.
The word "goes" comes from the Old English word "gān", which means "to go" or "to travel". The word "past" comes from the Middle English word "past", which is derived from the Latin word "pāstus", meaning "pasture" or "grazing". Over time, the meaning of "past" expanded to include the concept of moving beyond or going by something. Therefore, the phrase "goes past" simply combines the verb "goes" with the preposition "past" to express the action of moving or traveling beyond a particular point or object.