PhrasesHub

Make a bee-line for

    Definitions

      • move quickly and directly towards something
        To head straight towards a specific destination or goal without any delay or deviation

      • show intense interest in something
        To show a strong and immediate interest in something or someone, often in a determined or focused manner

    Examples of Make a bee-line for

    • The salesperson made a bee-line for the new customer, eager to close the deal.

      This idiom means that the salesperson quickly and directly headed towards the new customer, with the intention of selling something to them.

    • After the bell rang, the students made a bee-line for the exit, eager to leave the classroom.

      This idiom means that the students quickly and directly headed towards the exit, as soon as the bell rang, indicating that they were eager to leave the classroom.

    • The security guard made a bee-line for the suspicious-looking character, his hand already on his radio.

      This idiom means that the security guard quickly and directly headed towards the suspicious-looking character with the intention of contacting his colleagues or authorities.

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

      This idiom means that the athlete quickly and directly headed towards the finish line, with the determination to be the first to cross the finish line and win the race.

    • Tom made a bee-line for the exit as soon as the fire alarm went off.

      In this example, "make a bee-line for" is used in the context of quickly and directly heading towards a specific destination. Tom did not take a long, winding route to leave the building. Instead, he moved in a straight line towards the exit, just as a bee might fly in a straight line towards a flower.

    • Jane made a bee-line for the cake table at the party, not wanting to miss out on the delicious treats.

      In this example, "make a bee-line for" is used to describe someone's eagerness to get to a specific location. Jane headed straight for the cake table, presumably eager to indulge in the treats on offer.

    • The customers made a bee-line for the sale section in the department store, eager to snag a bargain.

      In this example, "make a bee-line for" is used to describe a group of people moving quickly and directly towards a destination. The department store's sale section was likely in high demand, as the customers moved quickly and in a straight line towards it.

    • Sarah made a bee-line for the doctor's office as soon as she started feeling unwell.

      In this example, "make a bee-line for" is used to show that Sarah was eager to get the medical care she needed as soon as she started feeling sick. Just as a bee might move quickly and directly towards a flower, Sarah headed straight for the doctor's office.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "make a bee-line for" is used to describe moving quickly and directly towards a specific goal or destination without any delay or deviation. It can also indicate showing intense interest in something or someone in a determined and focused manner. This idiom is often used to emphasize the swift and determined nature of one's actions.

    Origin of "Make a bee-line for"

    The origin of the idiom "make a bee-line for" can be traced back to the behavior of bees. Bees are known for their direct and purposeful flight paths when heading towards a source of nectar or pollen. This behavior is characterized by their swift and straight flight, creating the image of a straight line or "bee-line" towards their target.

    The idiom likely originated from this observation of bee behavior and has since been used to describe the swift and direct movement towards a goal or destination. The image of a bee making a straight line towards its target has been metaphorically applied to human actions, emphasizing the focused and determined nature of the movement. Overall, the idiom "make a bee-line for" draws from the efficient and purposeful flight of bees to convey the idea of swift and direct movement towards a specific goal.