prepare the way
Make path ready
To prepare the way is to make conditions favorable for something that follows—clearing obstacles, establishing groundwork, or creating readiness.
The phrase often implies that what comes next is more significant than the preparation itself: Her early research prepared the way for modern genetics.
Someone who prepares the way acts as a forerunner or advance party: The treaty prepared the way for lasting peace.
- pave the wayPrepare conditions for advancement
- make wayAllow passage through
- arrangePlace methodically
- organizePut into systematic order
- set upPrepare or establish
set the stage · guide · clear · lay the groundwork · direct · lead · paving the way · facilitate · open doors · charting · forging · sanctifying · consecrating · spearheading · smoothing · open up · roll out the red carpet · pioneering
prepare the wayobstruct
Block or hinder passage
impede · hinder · stand in the way · thwart · close the door
prepare the waywrap up
Complete and conclude
conclude · finish off · tie up loose ends · close out · follow through
prepare the wayleave to chance
Act without ensuring outcome
neglect · ignore · do nothing · abandon · drop the ball
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