go-to

[goh-too]

noun

1. a reliable person or thing one turns to as a preferred resource, strategy, option, etc..

   She’s our go-to for computer advice.

   This dish is my go-to when I need something quick for a potluck.

2. a person’s standard way of behaving or responding; reflex.

   He’s not trying to impress you—that courtly politeness is his go-to with everybody.

adjective

1. relied on and turned to as a preferred resource, strategy, option, etc., for a particular purpose.

   She’s been the team’s go-to penalty kicker all season.

   This is my go-to dictionary.

2. being a person’s standard way of behaving or responding; usual or habitual.

   When I tell them to get off the computer, their go-to excuse is that they need it for homework.

go to

verb

1. to be awarded to

   the Nobel prize last year went to a Scot

2. to tackle a task vigorously

interjection

1. archaic,  an exclamation expressing surprise, encouragement, etc

adjective

1. 1. (of a person) extremely dependable

      the go-to guy in the team

   2. (of a place) popularly visited

      go-to destinations

Word History and Origins

Origin of go to¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Idioms and Phrases

See going to .

Also, go toward . Contribute to a result, as in Can you name the bones that go to make the arms and legs? or The director has a good eye for seeing what will go toward an entire scene . [c. 1600]

Begin, start, as in By the time she went to call, she'd forgotten what she wanted to say . The related idiom go to it means “get started, get going.” P.G. Wodehouse used it in Louder & Funnier (1932): “Stoke up and go to it.” [First half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

That oft-cited problem is not going to be miraculously solved by a set of HR decisions after a huge embarrassment this week.

From BBC

In one, Bronzeville, we went to the spot where seven people were shot and wounded in a drive-by attack last weekend.

From BBC

The Danes have to go to Greece on Monday and they'll be underdogs now.

From BBC

"For me, she's going to be the best player in the world without a shadow of a doubt."

From BBC

Hoffman: I also just had a thought that this interview’s going to be so annoying to read because it’s literally just going to be me and Andrew complimenting each other for however long.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approach 
• attain 
• contact 
• end 
• go 
• join 
• lead 
• make 
• pass 
• stand 
• strike