So far so good: Meaning and Examples

Updated 2026-10-03 · Idiom Meanings editorial team

Quick answer: The phrase so far so good means that everything is going well up to the present moment. It expresses satisfaction with current progress while acknowledging that the situation is still ongoing. This common idiom fits naturally in casual updates and reports on developing events.

What Does "so far so good" Mean?

The idiom so far so good indicates that a situation or project has proceeded without issues until now. It signals that the current state of affairs is positive and meets expectations.

This expression carries a tone of cautious optimism. The speaker confirms present success but implies that the final outcome is not yet determined, leaving room for future changes or challenges.

How People Use It Today

Modern speakers use this phrase during ongoing processes like health recoveries, job searches, or construction projects. It serves as a quick status update, reassuring others that no new problems have emerged since the last check-in.

Example Sentences

Since we started the new diet, things are going well, so far so good.
The renovation crew finished the kitchen without delays, so far so good.
I have taken the medication for three days, and I feel fine, so far so good.
Her first week at the new job was smooth, so far so good.
The weather has held up for our outdoor wedding, so far so good.
We launched the product yesterday with zero technical glitches, so far so good.
The flight has been smooth since takeoff, so far so good.
I planted the seeds last month, and they are sprouting, so far so good.
The negotiations are proceeding calmly with both sides cooperating, so far so good.
My car has driven five thousand miles without a single repair, so far so good.

Idioms With a Similar Meaning

Going smoothly: Focuses on the lack of friction rather than the timeline of progress.
No complaints: Suggests general satisfaction without specifically referencing ongoing development.
All good: A broader affirmation of status that lacks the temporal nuance of so far.
Progressing well: Emphasizes forward movement and improvement rather than just absence of trouble.
Sailing through: Implies easy progress with little effort, whereas so far so good is neutral.
Holding steady: Suggests stability and consistency rather than positive advancement or success.

Opposite or Contrasting Phrases

Things are falling apart: Indicates a situation is deteriorating rapidly and losing coherence.
A disaster: Describes a complete and catastrophic failure of the situation.
Going downhill: Suggests a continuous decline in quality or condition over time.
Not going well: A direct negation stating that current efforts are failing or problematic.

When to Use It and When Not To

Use this phrase when reporting on events that are still in progress. It is perfect for updates where the final result is unknown but current developments are positive and reassuring to listeners.

Avoid using this idiom in formal academic writing or final conclusions. It sounds too casual for official reports and should not replace a definitive statement once a project is actually complete.

Example Dialogues

How is the new software update working for your team?

We haven't encountered any bugs yet, so far so good.

Did the package arrive at the warehouse on time?

Yes, it was delivered this morning, so far so good.

Are you enjoying your first month of yoga classes?

My flexibility is improving, so far so good.

How is the baby handling the teething process?

He is sleeping through the night, so far so good.

What is the status of the construction project?

The foundation is poured and dry, so far so good.

More Example Sentences

The train has traveled through three states without delay, so far so good.
My budget for the month is balanced, so far so good.
The puppy is eating his food and sleeping peacefully, so far so good.
The presentation is halfway complete with no technical issues, so far so good.
We have walked ten miles without any blisters, so far so good.
The new policy is being implemented smoothly, so far so good.
My garden has survived the frost without damage, so far so good.
The interview went well and I felt confident, so far so good.

In Formal Writing, Say This Instead

Proceeding without incident: The merger is proceeding without incident as we integrate the two departments.
Advancing as planned: The construction phase is advancing as planned according to the initial timeline.
Yielding satisfactory results: The new marketing strategy is yielding satisfactory results in the first quarter.
Maintaining stability: The server infrastructure is maintaining stability under increased user load.
Demonstrating positive progress: The rehabilitation program is demonstrating positive progress for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is so far so good formal or informal?

It is considered informal. While acceptable in business emails to colleagues, it is generally too casual for academic papers, legal documents, or highly formal official correspondence.

Can I use this idiom for negative situations?

No, the phrase implies a positive status. If things are going poorly, you should use contrasting phrases like things are not going well or we are facing difficulties instead.

Does this phrase imply the situation is finished?

No, it explicitly implies the opposite. The speaker acknowledges that the process is ongoing and that the final outcome remains uncertain and subject to future changes.

What is the best way to punctuate this?

You can write it as so far, so good with commas, or so far so good without them. Both forms are widely accepted in modern writing, though commas add a slight pause.