When we think of the word pave, of maybe a road covered in pavement or a pathway covered with a concrete aterial. Naturally, if we were to say pave the way it would mean to cover a pathway or road with a material to make it hard, durable and smooth.
This would be the literal meaning. In the instance or context of using pave the way as an idiom it is more figurative than literal. The figurative sense of this idiom originated as far back as Aristotle”…. For all these to pave the way for their future instruction…”
It was used and still used today to make something easy or easier for someone of something to follow. As with paving a street or a path, it is much easier for someone to walk or drive on a paved road or path than a rough road or path.
Meaning:
We use this idiom to describe designing, creating, or making something easier for someone easier to follow or to prepare something to happen.
Examples
- The President paved the way for greater infrastructure projects and future economic benefits for his country.
- The initial treatment for this illness is experimental, but it could pave the way for future research and other treatment options.
Dialog
Thelma: You know, Thelma, I have become frustrated with the progress of my students.
Louise: Oh? Why is that?
Thelma: Well recently the school principal has insisted that all students must study more than one language, and it seems like they are over loaded and have too much work.
Louise: It sounds like a difficult situation for you and your students.
Thelma:Yes, it is very difficult. I believe that if they do not have more time to spend on their core subjects, it will pave the way for lower grades and lower proficiency in these subjects.
LouiseWhat do your colleagues think?
Thelma: Well they agree and are as frustrated as I am.
Louise: It might be an idea to speak to your Principle to look at a change, hopefully this will pave the way to a win-win solution.
Other words you can create: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. (ex: mug – mugger)
- start
- begin
- leadership
- lead
- begin
- initiate
- inaugurate
- launch
Collocations
Pave the way for + (noun)
- Pave the way for talks between the two countries.
Pave the way for “x” to do “y”
- Going to a good school will pave the way for my children to be accepted into a good university.
Related phrasal verbs
Lead off
We use this phrasal verb to indicate starting something or being the first to do something.
- We need to lead off with a new idea which will pave the way to a better product.
Make a start
This phrasal verb is used to indicate someone of something to set out to do something, or begin the process of something.
- We will make a start and be the first company to pave the way for a new housing project.
Break ground
We use this both literally and figuratively. Essentially it is used to describe the beginning of building something new.
- We are going to pave the way and break new ground in the area of genetic research.
Set in motion or Set (something) in motion
When we set something in motion we are start the process of moving or working, usually in a movement to achieve a goal or outcome.
- We have already set the project in motion and it will pave the way for future projects to come.
Related idioms
Cut the first turf
Be the first to do something and/or to prepare the way.
Get one’s feet wet
Begin, usually for the first time, to do something.
Lay the first stone
This means to begin something, in most cases to start the process of building something.
Lead the way
We use this in almost a literal meaning. When we lead the way, we are preparing and showing something different or new.
Start the ball rolling
This is an idiom we use to set an activity in motion, usually forward.
Lay the foundation for
This is an idiom we use to describe preparing something or someone for something new or different and in most cases in reference to the future.
Break the Ice
This is a very common idiom we use to describe someone of something to get something started, in most cases a conversation. We also often use this to describe someone or something removing or reliving tension from a situation.
Synonyms (other ways to say):
Smooth the path
Cut the first turf
Break ground
Open the way
Lead the way
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