auf die Dauer
Translation
in the long run, over time, eventually
Examples
Auf die Dauer wird das zu teuer.
In the long run, that will become too expensive.
Diese Lösung funktioniert auf die Dauer nicht.
This solution won't work in the long run.
Grammar Patterns
[Adverbial phrase] in the long run... Auf die Dauer ist diese Methode besser.
Similar Words
Synonyms: langfristig (long-term); Antonyms: kurzfristig (short-term), im Moment (at the moment)
Etymology
Literally 'on the duration'. It implies looking at something over its entire duration or a long period.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'duration'. The phrase means something that happens or is true over the whole 'duration' of time.