the long way
Not the shortcut
The long way is a route or method that takes more time, distance, or effort than necessary.
It often implies a scenic or indirect path: We took the long way home through the countryside.
Figuratively, doing something the long way means choosing a more laborious approach: She learned piano the long way, without formal lessons.
- scenic routeRoad selected for beauty
- alternate routeSecondary path to destination
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
- road less traveledAtypical route chosen deliberately
- climbAscend using effort
backroad · iterative process · delayed gratification · roundabout · around the block · journey · learning curve · patience · path · bypass · bend · perseverance · wander · stretch · slow and steady · taking your time · trail · marathon