Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

🀐 Don’t Keep It In! What It Means to Spill the Beans (And Why You’ll Never Forget It)

πŸ“– What Does Spill the Beans Mean? To spill the beans means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information, often by accident . It’s commonly used when someone lets slip a surprise, confession, or private matter. Example meaning: If someone tells the truth before they were supposed to, they have spilled the beans . πŸ›️ Origin of Spill the Beans The phrase is believed to date back to Ancient Greece , where voting was done with beans . Voters placed white or black beans in jars to signify approval or disapproval. If someone literally spilled the beans , the results of the vote were revealed before the proper time—ruining the secrecy. Over time, this evolved into the idiomatic use we know today: revealing something prematurely. πŸ—£️ When and How Is Spill the Beans Used? Spill the beans is used when someone: Accidentally reveals a surprise. Tells a secret they were supposed to keep. Confesses something previously hidden. Common contexts: Conversations a...

"Work Upon" Meaning: Mastering This Classic Idiom in Everyday English

πŸ’‘ What Does "Work Upon" Mean? The idiom "work upon" means to influence, affect, or make an impact on someone or something—especially their thoughts, feelings, or decisions. It can also refer to actively developing, improving, or refining something over time. 🧭 Origin and Background of "Work Upon" The phrase "work upon" has roots in Early Modern English and is often found in literary texts, especially from the 16th to 19th centuries. It evolved from the idea of “working on” something with deliberate effort or intention. In older English, “upon” was commonly used where modern speakers might say “on.” Shakespeare, for instance, used similar phrases like "work upon his heart" to describe emotional or persuasive influence. πŸ—£️ When and How is "Work Upon" Used? You’ll hear or see "work upon" in formal writing, historical texts, or in contexts where influence or deep impact is being emphasized. It can relate ...

πŸ’¬ Break the Ice — Meaning, Origin, Usage, and Fun Ways to Remember This Common Idiom

🧊 What Does Break the Ice Mean? To break the ice means to do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation going , especially when people meet for the first time. It’s used when trying to make a situation feel more relaxed and friendly. πŸ“œ Origin and Background of Break the Ice The idiom break the ice comes from the days of trade by sea. In the past, large ships transporting goods would sometimes get stuck in frozen rivers or harbors. Smaller vessels called icebreakers were sent ahead to literally break the ice , clearing the way and making it easier for ships to pass. By the 17th century, the phrase began to be used metaphorically to describe starting up conversations or easing social tension—just like those ships, people often need a little help getting things moving! πŸ—£️ When and How Do We Use Break the Ice ? You can use break the ice in a variety of social or professional settings: At the start of a meeting During introductions On first dates In classro...

🌍 "All the World and His Wife": Meaning, Usage, and Fun Facts About This Curious Idiom

πŸ“˜ What Does "All the World and His Wife" Mean? The idiom "all the world and his wife" means everyone , a large crowd , or too many people . It’s often used when referring to situations where many people unexpectedly show up or get involved. In short : It exaggerates the idea that not only did everyone come—but they even brought their spouses! πŸ•° Origin and Background of "All the World and His Wife" This idiom dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is originally British. The earliest known use is from the 1720s, and it became popular in satirical poems and newspapers. It reflects a time when community events or gossip involved not just individuals—but whole families. The phrase's popularity grew due to its humor and exaggeration, making it a favorite in social commentary. πŸ“… How and When Is "All the World and His Wife" Used? You’ll often hear "all the world and his wife" when someone complains (usually humorously...

Difference Between 'Ripe Old Age' and 'Green Old Age'

The idiom "ripe old age" refers to a person who has lived a long and healthy life and is nearing the end of their life. It is often used to refer to someone who has lived to a relatively advanced age and has reached a state of wisdom and contentment. The phrase "green old age" is similar, but it is a more recent coinage, and tends to denote an active and healthy retirement. Both idioms generally have a positive connotation, indicating that the person has lived a good life and is ready for their final days. "Ripe old age" and "green old age" are idioms that are commonly used in casual conversation to refer to older people. They are often used to talk about someone who has lived a long and fulfilling life and is nearing the end of their life. "Ripe old age" is typically used in a more formal or respectful context, and it is often used when talking about someone who has passed away, for example: "She lived a long and ful...