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make way

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make way

to make progress; to move ahead. (Originally nautical. See also make way (for someone or something).) Is this project making way? A sailboat can't make way if there is no wind.

See also: make, way

make way (for someone or something)

to clear a path for someone or something. Make way for the stretcher. Here comes the doctor—make way!

See also: make, way

make its way somewhere

to reach a place or condition The product should be making its way into retail stores in a few months. Mary's poems finally made their way into print.

See also: make, way

make your way (somewhere)

to move in a particular direction In the midst of war in Europe, he somehow made his way back to the United States and joined the army.

See also: make, way

make way

1. Allow room for passage, move aside, as in Please make way for the wheelchair. This expression was first recorded about 1200.

2. Also, make way for. Leave room for a successor or substitute, as in It's time he retired and made way for some younger professor. [Mid-1700s]

3. Progress, advance, as in Is this enterprise making way? [Late 1500s] For a synonym, see make headway.

See also: make, way

make (one's) way

1. To go forward; advance.

2. To succeed, especially in making a living.

See also: make, way

make way

1. To give room for passage; move aside.

2. To make progress.

See also: make, way