serve vs go a long way

serve is a noun but go a long way is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
serve	Yes	No	Yes	No
go a long way	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, go a long way is a hyponym of serve; that is, go a long way is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than serve:

Other hyponyms of serve include bridge over, keep going, tide over, function, serve, measure up, qualify, go around.

serve (noun)	go a long way (noun)
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

serve (verb)	go a long way (verb)
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function	suffice or be adequate for a while or to a certain extent
put the ball into play
provide (usually but not necessarily food)
help to some food; help with food or drink
deliver a warrant or summons to someone
mate with
be used by; as of a utility
work for, or be a servant to
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
do military service
spend time in prison or in a labor camp
contribute or conduce to
promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
serve a purpose, role, or function
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity