down the road: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘down the road’ mean?
The idiom "down the road" means in the future or at a later time.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick the can down the road" means to delay or postpone addressing a problem or making a decision, often because it is difficult or unpopular to do so at the present time.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the long term" refers to a period of time that is far into the future, usually indicating a result or consequence that will be realized after a significant amount of time or over an extended period. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential outcomes or impacts over a longer timeframe rather than focusing solely on short-term effects.
The idiom "in the long run" means considering the overall or ultimate outcome or result of a situation, especially over a period of time, rather than focusing on immediate or short-term effects.
The idiom "hit the road" means to leave or start a journey. It suggests the action of physically hitting a road to begin a trip or adventure.
The idiom "go towards" means to contribute or be used to achieve a specific goal, objective, or outcome.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "go down the road" means to pursue a particular course of action or explore a certain path or avenue in life.
The idiom "go down that road" means to proceed or pursue a particular course of action, especially one that has been tried before and has had negative consequences.
The idiom "get there" means to achieve a goal or reach a desired destination. It implies successfully completing a task or journey.
Deciphering "Down the Road"
The idiom "down the track" is related to the phrase "down the road" and is often used interchangeably. Both idioms convey the idea of a future event or outcome, emphasizing the passage of time and the direction of progression. "Down the track" may be used when discussing long-term plans or goals that will unfold over a period of time. It suggests a longer journey or timeline compared to "down the road," indicating that the event or outcome may be further in the future.
Similarly, the idiom "down the line" is related to "down the road" and conveys a similar sense of future events or outcomes. It refers to something that will happen at a later point in time, emphasizing the notion of a linear progression or sequence of events. "Down the line" is often used when discussing a series of future developments or consequences that will unfold over time. It implies that the outcome or impact will extend beyond the immediate future and may have lasting effects.
On the other hand, the phrase "go down the road" is a colloquial expression that means to embark on a journey or pursue a particular path or course of action. While it shares the word "road" with the idiom "down the road," the phrase "go down the road" has a different connotation. It suggests actively moving forward or making progress, often with a sense of purpose or determination. This phrase can be used to encourage someone to take a particular action or pursue a certain goal, implying that there may be positive outcomes or opportunities ahead.
Lastly, the idiom "down the road, not across the street" is a phrase typically used in a metaphorical sense to discourage self-harm or suicide. While this idiom may seem unrelated to the others mentioned, it is related in the sense that it also incorporates the phrase "down the road." The idiom serves as a reminder that there are alternative paths and options to consider, encouraging individuals to seek help and explore other avenues rather than resorting to self-harm. It emphasizes the importance of finding hope and support, highlighting the value of life and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "down the road" can be used in a sentence:
- "We can discuss this issue later down the road."
- "I'm not sure what my career plans are, but I might consider taking a different path down the road."
- "It's important to make wise decisions now, so you can avoid problems down the road."