paves the way

Makes possible later

To pave the way is to prepare conditions that make something else possible or easier.

The image is of laying a smooth road for others to travel: The treaty paved the way for decades of peace.

Often followed by "for": Her research paved the way for new treatments.

Related

prepares · foreshadows · ushers · pathfinder · trailblazes · amenable · preparative · pioneers · paver · rolls out the red carpet · groundwork · paver · preparative · paver

Opposites
facilitation vs. obstruction

paves the wayblocks

Obstructs or sections

obstructs · hinders · impedes · prevents · thwarts

initiation vs. termination

paves the wayforecloses

Legally seizes secured property

terminates · kills · ends · halts · stops

Family

pave, paves, paved, paving, pavement, pavements, ways, wayward

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G