When it comes to achieving success or perfection, one may need to put in extra effort and take special pains to ensure positive results. However, there are many synonyms for this phrase that one can use to add variety to their language. Alternatives for "takes special pains" include going the extra mile, giving one's all, putting in extra effort, leaving no stone unturned, being meticulous, being thorough, being assiduous, being attentive, being careful, paying close attention to detail, giving extra attention, being diligent, being conscientious, being persistent, and making every effort possible. Therefore, one can use any of these phrases interchangeably with "takes special pains" to express the effort and dedication put into a task.