go around the houses: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom *go around the houses* has several meanings and uses that can be explored. The idiom is mainly used in British English and refers to taking a longer, indirect route or approach to something instead of taking a more direct or efficient one.

One of the literal meanings of the idiom is related to a specific way of navigating streets or landmarks. It originally described someone taking a circuitous path or going through unnecessary twists and turns when trying to reach a destination. The phrase likely stems from the idea of taking various detours or diversions before arriving at the intended location. Over time, it started to be used figuratively to express a similar idea in non-physical contexts.

A common usage of *go around the houses* is when talking about communication. In this context, the idiom refers to providing unnecessary or excessive details or explanations before getting to the main point. It implies a lack of conciseness or efficiency in communicating the intended message, similar to taking a longer route or going through extra steps. It can often be used to criticize someone for being long-winded or verbose.

Additionally, the idiom can be related to the idiomatic expression "around Robin Hood's barn". This phrase refers to taking an unnecessarily roundabout or indirect route to reach a destination. It signifies a lack of efficiency or directness, similar to the idiom *go around the houses*. Both idioms highlight the idea of choosing a longer or more complicated path instead of a straightforward one.

Another usage of the idiom is in relation to problem-solving or decision-making. When someone *goes around the houses* in this context, it means they are taking a roundabout or indirect approach to reach a solution. Instead of tackling the problem head-on or considering straightforward options, they may engage in unnecessary complexities or overcomplicate the process, leading to delayed or suboptimal outcomes.

Similarly, the idiom can be associated with the idiom "run around". This expression also denotes a lack of directness or efficiency. It implies a person's tendency to take unnecessary steps or engage in superfluous actions without achieving the desired outcome. The idiom *go around the houses* shares this connotation, highlighting the idea of going through unnecessary motions or engaging in excessive actions that may not lead to the desired result.

Overall, *go around the houses* represents a preference for indirectness or excessive elaboration, whether it is in navigating physical routes, communicating ideas, or solving problems. The idiom implies a deviation from simplicity, efficiency, and directness. While it is mainly used in British English, it can still be encountered or understood in other English-speaking contexts due to its relatively straightforward figurative meaning.

Exploring the etymology or origin of the idiom *go around the houses* may shed further light on its usage and development throughout history. Digging into historical sources and linguistic research could uncover additional nuances or connections that contribute to the comprehensive understanding of this particular idiom.