pave the way — to create conditions that make something possible or easier to achieve
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to create conditions that make something possible or easier to achieve
Pronunciation (IPA): /peɪv ðə weɪ/
Example Sentences
- My older brother's terrible grades paved the way for my parents to have really low expectations for me.
- The invention of the internet paved the way for social media and online shopping.
- His constant complaints about the office coffee paved the way for getting a fancy new espresso machine.
pave the way
VERB[/peɪv ðə weɪ/]
to create conditions that make something possible or easier to achieve

to create conditions that make something possible or easier to achieve

Brave builders pave the way, while grateful hands wave!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from the literal practice of paving roads—laying stone or asphalt to create a smooth, passable surface. The expression evolved metaphorically from this physical act to describe preparing conditions or removing obstacles so that others may proceed more easily toward a goal.
Breakdown
pave (to lay a surface for a road) + the way (path or direction) = to prepare or make conditions favorable for something to happen or progress.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My older brother's terrible grades paved the way for my parents to have really low expectations for me.”
“The invention of the internet paved the way for social media and online shopping.”
“His constant complaints about the office coffee paved the way for getting a fancy new espresso machine.”
“The peace treaty paved the way for economic cooperation between the two countries.”
📚Related Words
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