long way around
Scenic but slower
The long way around is a route or method that takes more time or distance than necessary to reach a destination or goal.
It implies choosing or being forced into an indirect path: We took the long way around to avoid traffic.
Figuratively, it describes any inefficient approach: He finally got his degree, but he took the long way around.
- circuitousIndirect, winding path
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
- the hard wayThrough difficulty, not ease
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
winding road · meandering · back road · road less traveled · off the beaten path · indirect · labyrinthine · taking your time · scenic route · alternate route · lengthy · bypass · loop · full circle · byzantine · lateral thinking · workaround · wild goose chase
long way aroundshortcut
Quicker alternative path
direct route · beeline · straight line · straight shot · direct path
long way arounddirect approach
Unsubtle, frontal method
straightforward · straight to the point · quick fix · path of least resistance · easy way
long, around, longer, longest, longish, longing, longingly, prolong, prolonged