PhrasesHub

Bee-line - make a bee-line for

    Definitions

      • to go directly or quickly towards something or someone
        To move with purpose or determination towards a specific destination or goal, often bypassing other things or people along the way.

      • to go in a straight line
        To move in a straight path or route, without any deviation or detours.

      • to move quickly or urgently
        To move speedily and with urgency towards something or someone, often with a sense of excitement or anticipation.

    Examples of Bee-line - make a bee-line for

    • The athlete made a bee-line for the finish-line in the race, determined to clinch the victory.

      The expression "bee-line" is used to describe the shortest and most direct route between two points. In this context, "make a bee-line for" is used as a phrasal verb (a combination of a verb and a preposition), meaning to move quickly and directly towards someone or something. In the example, the athlete was running as fast as they could towards the finish-line to ensure they won the race.

    • After spotting the missing child, the police officers made a bee-line for the local park, hoping to find some clues about their whereabouts.

      In this instance, "make a bee-line for" is being used to express that the police officers moved swiftly and straight towards the local park as soon as they saw the missing child.

    • The workers made a bee-line for the exits as soon as the fire alarm went off, eager to escape the building.

      In this context, "make a bee-line for" is used to show that the workers headed for the exit areas immediately when they heard the fire alarm go off, moving in the shortest and the most direct route to get out of the building safely.

    • The shoppers made a bee-line for the sale section in the store, eager to take advantage of the discounts.

      In this example, "make a bee-line for" is used to illustrate that the shoppers moved quickly and directly towards the sale section in the store, eager to make the most of the discounted prices on offer.

    • Samantha silently counted her change and quickly made a bee-line for the exit after finishing her lunch at the cafe.

      Samantha left the cafe quickly and directly after finishing her lunch using the shortest route available, like a bee moving in a straight line to reach its destination.

    • The thief made a bee-line for the door as soon as he saw the police approaching.

      The thief quickly and directly moved towards the door as soon as he spotted the police arriving, just like a bee heading towards its destination by moving in a straight line.

    • John's classmates made a bee-line for him as soon as they saw him enter the classroom, congratulating him on his outstanding performance in the previous exam.

      John's classmates rushed straight towards him after spotting him entering the classroom, the same way a bee moves directly towards its destination, to congratulate him for his outstanding performance in the previous exam.

    • The sunbathers made a bee-line for their sun umbrellas as soon as they saw the sky turning dark, anticipating a sudden downpour.

      The sunbathers quickly and directly moved towards their sun umbrellas as soon as they noticed the sky turning dark, just like a bee straightly heading towards its destination to avoid any rain.


    Conclusion

    In summary, the idiom "bee-line" or "make a bee-line for" is used to describe someone moving towards a specific destination or goal in a purposeful and direct manner. It can also imply moving in a straight line without any detours or distractions, and doing so with a sense of urgency or excitement.

    This idiom is often used in situations where someone is determined to reach their desired destination or accomplish a goal, and is willing to bypass any obstacles or distractions along the way. It can also be used to describe someone who is moving quickly and eagerly towards something they desire.

    Origin of "Bee-line - make a bee-line for"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the behavior of bees, who are known for their efficient and determined movements when collecting nectar. They fly directly towards their target, without any deviations or detours, in order to reach their hive and produce honey.

    The phrase "make a bee-line" was first recorded in the 1830s, and has since become a popular idiom in the English language. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone's determined and direct approach towards achieving their goals.