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. go to it
   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

Example Sentences

“We’re thinking it’s going to be more of a beneficial rain,” Lewis said, noting that it could help ease some fire concerns, but likely not eliminate those worries entirely.

From Los Angeles Times

Black market weight-loss drugs left a woman thinking she was going to die after do-it-yourself injections put her in hospital.

From BBC

Two of those shipments involved “short-wave infrared camera lens” and went to the Ural Optical & Mechanical Plant, which makes bomb-aiming equipment and is also sanctioned because of its links to the Russian military.

From BBC

Smith, who still carries himself with the eager enthusiasm of a worship leader, no longer goes to church.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Henry Newman, a former adviser to Conservative ministers who now writes about Whitehall, said the review was "always going to be something of a whitewash".

From BBC

Related Words

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