PhrasesHub

Fellow traveller

    Definitions

      • someone who shares similar beliefs or interests
        Describing a person who is supportive or aligned with a particular political or social movement, often used in a negative connotation to imply that the person is blindly following the group without thinking critically

      • someone who accompanies another on a journey
        Referring to a person who is traveling with someone else, often used in a romantic context to describe a couple on a trip together

      • someone who is on the same path as another
        Describing a person who is going through a similar experience or facing similar challenges as another person, often used in a supportive or empathetic way

    Examples of Fellow traveller

    • As I was travelling on the train, I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveller. He seemed like a kind-hearted person and we shared some meaningful conversations throughout the journey.

      In this instance, 'fellow traveller' refers to another person who is also travelling, in this case, on a train. The idiom highlights the fact that we both were travelling together on the same mode of transportation.

    • While I was travelling through the city, I saw a poster advertising a cultural festival. I decided to attend it and, to my luck, I bumped into a fellow traveller who shared my interest in traditional arts. We both enjoyed the event wholeheartedly.

      Here, 'fellow traveller' is used to describe another person who is also moving from one place to another, in this context, through a city. The idiom emphasizes that this person was also wandering around the city searching for interesting stuff, and coincidentally stumbled upon the same cultural event that the speaker did.

    • I met a fellow traveller in the tourist information centre who helped me navigate the unfamiliar streets of the city. His guidance and friendly chat really made my day.

      In this example, 'fellow traveller' refers to another person who is also exploring the unknown terrain of a place. The idiom underscores the fact that both travellers were unfamiliar with the area, and leaned on each other for support.

    • While travelling on a bus, I saw a fellow traveller struggling with her luggage. I offered her a helping hand as she seemed to be in a fix. Her smile and thank you communicated that she was truly grateful for my assistance.

      Here, 'fellow traveller' highlights the fact that both travellers were taking the same mode of transportation - a bus. The idiom emphasizes that we both were there, travelling, and witnessed each other's predicament.

    • As I was sitting in the airport waiting for my delayed flight, I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveller.

      A "fellow traveller" is a person who is traveling, usually on a similar route or mode of transportation, at the same time as another person. In this situation, the speaker and the other person they met are both waiting for their flights and are considered "fellow travellers."

    • During the long train journey, I tried to make myself comfortable by chatting with a fellow traveller.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to refer to someone you meet while using a form of transportation. The speaker is trying to make their journey more enjoyable by conversing with another passenger.

    • As a seasoned backpacker, I always like to connect with fellow travellers and exchange tips and advice.

      This example shows how the idiom is often used in the context of traveling, specifically in regards to people who enjoy exploring new places. By referring to other travelers as "fellow travellers," the speaker is acknowledging their shared experiences and interests.

    • When I unexpectedly found myself stranded in a foreign city, I turned to my fellow travellers for help and guidance.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where you are in need of assistance. By referring to other travelers as "fellow travellers," the speaker is acknowledging their shared experiences and potential for support during a difficult journey.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fellow traveller" has multiple meanings, all related to the idea of someone being in the same journey or path as another. It can refer to someone who has similar beliefs or interests, someone who is traveling with another person, or someone who is going through a similar experience. However, the connotation of this idiom can vary from positive to negative, depending on the context in which it is used.

    In some cases, "fellow traveller" can be used to describe someone who blindly follows a group or movement without thinking critically. This can be seen as a negative trait, implying that the person is easily swayed and lacks their own opinions. On the other hand, the term can also be used in a positive light to describe someone who is supportive and aligned with a particular cause or group.

    When used to describe someone who is traveling with another person, "fellow traveller" often carries a romantic connotation, suggesting that the two individuals are in a relationship and enjoying a journey together. It can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any two people who are traveling together.

    Regardless of its usage, the idiom "fellow traveller" always conveys the idea of companionship and being on the same journey or path as someone else.

    Origin of "Fellow traveller"

    The origin of the idiom "fellow traveller" can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it was primarily used in a literal sense to describe two people who were traveling together. However, it gained more figurative meanings over time.

    One theory suggests that the term originated from the Latin phrase "comitatus," which means "companionship." In ancient Rome, comitatus referred to the practice of a leader being accompanied by a group of loyal followers. This could have influenced the usage of "fellow traveller" to describe someone who is aligned with a particular group or movement.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom was derived from the French phrase "compagnon de voyage," which translates to "traveling companion." This also supports the idea of companionship and being on the same journey as someone else.

    Overall, the origin of the idiom "fellow traveller" can be linked to the concept of companionship and traveling together, which has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings in modern usage.