The Idiom "Go Astray" Meaning and Examples

The idiom "go astray" is a phrase which can mean a few different things, depending on the context. Generally, it is used to describe a person who has gone off the correct path in life, becoming deviant, immoral, or even dangerous.

It can also be used to describe someone who has failed to follow the rules or has acted in a way that goes against the accepted norm.

The Idiom "Go Astray" Meaning and Examples

In terms of its parts of speech, "go astray" is a verb phrase. Synonyms for the phrase can include "go off track," "go off course," and "err."

The etymology of the phrase can be traced back to a French expression "estre a l'estraie," which literally translates to "being a stranger."

This phrase is believed to have originated in the 12th century, and the concept of straying from the right path has been with us ever since.

The phrase has been used in various contexts over the centuries.

Here are 10 sample sentences which use the idiom "go astray":

He had let his passions go astray, and it cost him dearly.
She had begun to go astray, but her family was there to help her get back on track.
The company had gone astray, losing its original mission in the process.
He was warned not to go astray, but he did not heed the advice.
She had made a few bad decisions and gone astray, but she still had a chance to turn things around.
One wrong move and he could go astray, never to return to the correct path again.
Her parents had warned her not to go astray, but she was determined to follow her own path.
The company had gone astray, and now it was in danger of being shut down.
She had gone astray, and it seemed like she was too far gone to return.
He had gone astray and could not find his way back home.

Comments

Facing the Days of Reckoning – Meaning, Origin, and Usage

The phrase “days of reckoning” carries a weight of anticipation and consequence. It evokes a sense of unavoidable judgment, where one must face the outcomes of past actions. But what exactly does it mean? And where did this ominous phrase originate? In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and usage of “days of reckoning” with real-life examples to bring this powerful expression to life. 📚 Meaning of "Days of Reckoning" “Days of reckoning” refers to a time when individuals, organizations, or even societies must face the consequences of their actions or decisions. It suggests an inevitable moment of truth or judgment, where past misdeeds or mistakes come back to demand accountability. ✅ Key Concepts: A moment of consequence or judgment. Facing the results of past actions. An unavoidable event that brings justice or balance. 🕰️ Origin of the Phrase The term “reckoning” dates back to Middle English, derived from the Ol...

📝What Does 'Work Off' Mean? Idiom Definition, Examples, and Fun Explanation

💡 What Does “ Work Off ” Mean? The idiom work off means to eliminate, reduce, or get rid of something—usually a negative feeling , debt , or excess weight —by doing physical or mental effort . It suggests using action to cancel out or balance an unwanted state. Examples of things you might "work off": Anger Guilt Calories Debt Simple definition: To remove something unpleasant by working or exerting effort. 📜 Origin and Background of “ Work Off ” The idiom work off has roots in the industrial and labor-oriented cultures of English-speaking societies. In earlier times, labor was often used as a form of payment or punishment —like "working off a debt" by serving as an apprentice or farmhand. This concept evolved naturally into everyday English as a way to express neutralizing or offsetting something through effort. While no exact date marks its first usage, the idiom has been part of English since at least the early 19th century . 🔄 Whe...

📝 “Work One’s Passage” — What It Means, When to Use It, and How to Remember It

🚢 What Does "Work One's Passage" Mean? The idiom "work one’s passage" means to earn your way through effort instead of paying , especially in exchange for transportation, lodging, or some other benefit. In short: You don’t pay with money—you pay with labor! 🕰️ Origin of "Work One's Passage" The expression dates back to nautical times , when people would work aboard ships in exchange for a free voyage . Instead of paying for their ticket across the ocean, they would assist the crew—cleaning, cooking, or doing physical labor. This practice was especially common during the 18th and 19th centuries , when sea travel was expensive and often dangerous. Working one's passage was a way for poor travelers, immigrants, or adventurers to afford the journey. 🧭 When and How Is "Work One’s Passage" Used? Today, the idiom is used figuratively , not just in the travel context. It refers to any situation where someone earns their place,...

💰“Worth Its (or One’s) Weight in Gold” – Why This Ancient Phrase Still Shines Today

Ever heard someone say something is “worth its weight in gold” and wondered why such an ancient expression still carries so much relevance today? Despite its origin in old-world economies , this idiom has glittered through centuries , cementing its place in modern speech and culture. But let’s take a fresh, deeper dive into this timeless phrase—not just where it comes from, but why it continues to speak volumes in an age where gold isn’t the only valuable asset. 🏺The Origin: A Phrase Forged in Ancient Markets The expression “worth its weight in gold” dates back to times when gold was the universal symbol of wealth , long before the rise of digital currencies or stock exchanges. In the Roman Empire and even earlier, gold wasn’t just a precious metal—it was the gold standard of value . To say something equaled its own physical weight in gold was a powerful way of declaring it extremely precious , irreplaceable , and immensely useful . What’s fascinating is how literal this used ...

💥“Throw in the Towel”: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms & How to Use It Like a Pro

📌 What Does "Throw in the Towel" Mean? “Throw in the towel” is an idiomatic expression that means to give up, surrender, or admit defeat , especially after a prolonged struggle or when success seems impossible. It’s often used when someone decides to quit an effort, project, or even an argument after realizing they can’t win or continue. 🔁 Synonyms for "Throw in the Towel" Here are some expressions and phrases that mean the same or nearly the same: Give up Surrender Quit Back down Concede defeat Wave the white flag Abandon the fight Call it quits 📜 Origin of "Throw in the Towel" The phrase comes from boxing , dating back to the early 20th century. When a boxer’s trainer or manager saw their fighter was taking too much punishment or could no longer win, they would literally throw a towel into the ring to signal surrender. It was a clear visual cue to the referee and opponent that the fight was over. Over time, this dr...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog