12 Idioms that Describe a Journey

12 Idioms That Describe a Journey (with Meanings & Examples)

Hello English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson. Journeys are not only about travelling from one place to another — in English, they are also a powerful metaphor for life, progress, learning, and change. That’s why journey-related idioms appear so often in everyday conversation, articles, and Cambridge exams (B2–C1).

In this lesson, you’ll learn 12 common idioms that describe a journey, with clear meanings and natural example sentences.

1️⃣ Hit the road

Meaning: to begin a journey.

• After weeks of planning, we finally packed our bags and hit the road.
• The exams were over, so we decided to hit the road and explore the coast.
• We should hit the road early if we want to avoid traffic.

2️⃣ A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Meaning: every long or difficult process starts with one small action.

• Starting a new career can be scary, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• As she opened her first textbook, she reminded herself that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

3️⃣ Make tracks

Meaning: to leave or depart quickly.

• The meeting ended late, so we decided to make tracks before rush hour.
• When the weather suddenly changed, we made tracks back to the hotel.

4️⃣ Off the beaten path

Meaning: in a place that is not popular or frequently visited.

• We went off the beaten path and discovered a quiet village by the lake.
• The café was hidden off the beaten path, away from tourists.

5️⃣ On the road

Meaning: travelling, especially over long distances.

• He spends most of his life on the road for work.
• There’s something exciting about being on the road with no fixed plan.

6️⃣ The road less travelled

Meaning: a less common or unconventional choice or path.

• She chose the road less travelled by starting her own business.
• Taking the road less travelled often leads to unexpected rewards.

7️⃣ A rocky road

Meaning: a journey that is difficult or full of problems.

• Their move abroad was a rocky road at first.
• Learning a new language can be a rocky road, but it’s worth it.

8️⃣ Smooth sailing

Meaning: an easy, problem-free journey or process.

• Once we sorted out the paperwork, it was smooth sailing.
• After a difficult start, the project turned into smooth sailing.

9️⃣ Take the plunge

Meaning: to finally decide to do something difficult or risky.

• She took the plunge and booked a solo trip around Asia.
• After years of hesitation, he took the plunge and changed careers.

🔟 Take the scenic route

Meaning: to choose a longer but more enjoyable path.

• We decided to take the scenic route through the countryside.
• Sometimes it’s better to take the scenic route and enjoy the journey.

1️⃣1️⃣ Travel broadens the mind

Meaning: visiting different places and cultures makes you more open-minded.

• Living abroad taught her that travel broadens the mind.
• He believes strongly that travel broadens the mind, especially for young people.

1️⃣2️⃣ Travel light

Meaning: to travel with only essential luggage.

• We decided to travel light and take only hand luggage.
• When hiking, it’s best to travel light and stay flexible.

Final tip

Journey idioms are often used metaphorically, not just for travel. You’ll hear them when people talk about careers, relationships, learning English, and life decisions — which makes them especially useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced speaking and writing tasks.

Learn adjectives to describe a journey here

Learn foreign travel vocabulary here

Learn phrasal verbs for holidays and travel here

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