pave the way
Create the path
To pave the way is to prepare conditions for something to follow, removing obstacles or creating opportunities: Her research paved the way for modern gene therapy.
The metaphor comes from literal road-building—smoothing a path so others can travel it more easily.
Often followed by "for": Tax cuts paved the way for economic growth.
- prepareMake ready beforehand
- facilitateMake something easier
- lay the groundworkEstablish necessary preliminaries
- heraldOfficial news announcer
- set the stagePrepare conditions for events
precede · set in motion · harbinger · introduce · usher · trailblaze · foundation · prelude · expedite · blaze a trail · breakthrough · antecedent · preface · break the ice · break new ground · initiation · get ready · pioneering
- leadership verbslead, command, direct, manage, supervise
- motion idiomsin motion, on the move, on the go, move forward, move along
- preludesprelude, overture, chorale prelude, introduction, intro
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- getting readyget ready, readying, be prepared, equipping, gear up
pave the wayblock
Solid mass, or impede
obstruct · hinder · impede · stand in the way · prevent
pave the wayjump on the bandwagon
Adopt a popular trend
follow suit · bring up the rear · come after · trail behind · copy
way, concrete, asphalt, pavement, pathway, pave, paving, paved, paves