back of beyond
Meaning: the most remote place; somewhere very remote.
Example: “He lives at the back of beyond.”
Focused Idiom Category
Travel and Movement Idioms
Travel and movement idioms describe going, leaving, arriving, changing direction, distance, routes, journeys, and physical or figurative progress. Some use roads, ships, steps, paths, or destinations to explain choices and life situations, while others refer more directly to movement. This page includes only expressions where travel, location, or motion is the central image or established meaning. Nature, time, and decision idioms are kept separate when those themes are stronger. Each listing provides a short meaning and an example sentence that demonstrates movement, direction, or progress. Use the A–Z navigation to find phrases quickly, then open related categories for expressions about nature, time, or risk. These idioms are useful not only for holidays and transport but also for storytelling, career discussion, personal change, and everyday conversation about progress.
15Relevant idioms
B
B Idioms
3 entriesbag and baggage
Meaning: with one’s luggage; with all one’s possessions.
Example: “Sally showed up at our door bag and baggage one Sunday morning.”
beat a (hasty) retreat
Meaning: to retreat or withdraw very quickly.
Example: “We went out into the cold weather, but beat a retreat to the warmth of our fire.”
G
G Idioms
1 entriesget away (from it all)
Meaning: to get away from one’s work or daily routine; to go on a holiday.
Example: “I just love the summer when I can take time off and get away from it all.”
H
H Idioms
2 entrieshail from somewhere
Meaning: to come originally from somewhere.
Example: “Where do you hail from?”
hang one’s hat up somewhere
Meaning: to take up residence somewhere.
Example: “He’s decided to buy a flat and hang his hat up there.”
I
I Idioms
1 entriesinch along (something)
Meaning: to move slowly along something little by little.
Example: “The cat inched along the carpet towards the mouse.”
L
L Idioms
2 entrieslag behind (someone or something)
Meaning: to fall behind someone or something; to linger behind someone or something.
Example: “John always lags behind the person marching in front of him.”
lead someone by the nose
Meaning: to force someone to go somewhere; to lead someone by coercion.
Example: “John had to lead Tom by the nose to get him to the opera.”
M
M Idioms
1 entriesmaiden voyage
Meaning: the first voyage of a ship or boat.
Example: “The liner sank on its maiden voyage.”
O
O Idioms
1 entriesoff the beaten track
Meaning: in an unfamiliar place; on a route which is not often travelled.
Example: “Their home is in a quiet neighbourhood, off the beaten track.”
R
R Idioms
1 entriesreturn ticket
Meaning: a ticket which allows one to go to a destination and return.
Example: “A return ticket will usually save you some money.”
S
S Idioms
2 entriessail through something
Meaning: to finish something quickly and easily.
Example: “I sailed through it.”
sail under false colours
Meaning: to pretend to be something that one is not.
Example: “John has been sailing under false colours.”
U
U Idioms
1 entriesup a blind alley
Meaning: at a dead end; on a route that leads nowhere.
Example: “I have been trying to find out something about my ancestors, but I’m up a blind alley.”
Helpful Answers
Frequently asked questions
What are travel and movement idioms?
They are expressions about journeys, routes, distance, leaving, arriving, direction, physical movement, or figurative progress.
Are they only used when travelling?
No. Many use travel imagery to describe careers, relationships, decisions, progress, or changes in life.
Why are some road expressions figurative?
A road or journey often represents a process, direction, or series of choices rather than an actual trip.
How is this category different from nature?
Travel idioms focus on motion, routes, and destinations; nature idioms focus on environmental images such as land, sea, plants, or fire.
Can these idioms be used in professional English?
Yes. Journey and direction metaphors are common in presentations, strategy discussions, project updates, and career conversations.
