pave the way
To make future progress or development easier.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Her hard work paved the way for a promotion.”
“The early experiments paved the way for modern medicine.”
“The treaty, signed after years of negotiation, paved the way for peaceful relations between the two nations.”
Derived from the literal practice of laying a paved path to facilitate easier and smoother travel for those following the route. The figurative use rests upon the transition from uneven ground to a prepared surface, ensuring that subsequent progress requires less effort than the initial clearing.
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 03
by the way
Irrelevantly, off-topic.
- 04
come a long way
To make significant progress.
- 05
cry all the way to the bank
To be happy due to the receipt of money, but sad about the cause.
- 06
cut both ways
To have both benefits and drawbacks.
- 07
die the way one lived
To die because of or after doing something characteristic of oneself, especially something that one enjoyed doing.
- 08
don't let the door hit you on the way out
Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.
Last updated August 10, 2026