PhrasesHub

One for the road

    Definitions

      • having one last drink before leaving
        To have one final alcoholic drink before leaving a place, typically a bar or social gathering

      • taking something for the journey
        To take food or drink for consumption during a journey

    Examples of One for the road

    • After finishing dinner at the pub, Tom ordered one more beer as he said, "One for the road, mate."

      This phrase is used when someone wants to have one last drink before leaving a place, typically before driving. It's often said as a way of joking about drinking and driving, but is meant to be taken as a lighthearted gesture, reminding others to drink responsibly. As Tom left the pub, he knew that it was unsafe to drive while drunk, so he decided to have "one for the road" to even out his blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel.

    • Rachel and her friends had been celebrating her birthday all night, and as the clock struck 2 am, Rachel declared, "Okay, ladies, let's have one for the road!"

      This usage of the idiom can be found in social situations where people gather to have fun and enjoy drinks. When the night is coming to a close, someone might suggest having "one for the road" as a way to cap off the festivities. This can be a fun tradition that everyone agrees on, adding an extra sense of camaraderie and enjoyment to the evening.

    • Alex and his coworkers had been working late, and as they left the office, Alex said, "Alright, one for the road, everyone!"

      In this context, the idiom could be interpreted as a way to celebrate the end of a long workday or a successful project. After working hard for several hours, sometimes a small celebration is in order, and having "one for the road" at the end of the day can serve as a kind of ritual or parting gesture.

    • Jason finished his shift as a bartender and said to his fellow staff members, "Let's have one for the road, guys. This place is closing for the night."

      This usage of the idiom can be found in professional settings, particularly in environments where alcohol is served. As the closing time approaches, staff members might suggest having "one for the road" as a way to say goodbye to the patrons and wish them safe travels home. While this phrase isn't always taken literally, it can feel like a fond farewell or a final toast to the evening.

    • John finished his third beer and said, "One for the road!" as he signaled for another drink at the bar.

      This example shows how the idiom "One for the road" is used when someone orders one more drink before leaving a place, usually a bar or a pub. In this case, John is signaling the bartender to serve him one final drink before he leaves the bar.

    • After a long and exhausting day at work, Emily's colleagues surprised her with a going-away party. As she prepared to leave the office, Emily raised her glass and said, "One for the road!" before taking a last sip of her drink.

      In this example, Emily is using the idiom to bid farewell to her colleagues in a playful and lighthearted way. It suggests that she's aware she's leaving, and she wants to take one last sip before parting ways.

    • As the sun began to set on the beach, the group of friends enjoyed their last drink of the day while watching the beautiful orange sky. One of them, Todd, said, "Let's make this one count! One for the road!" and everyone raised their glasses in agreement.

      In this case, Todd is using the idiom to make the most out of their time together. "Let's make this one count" emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment and savoring the remaining moments of the day.

    • After a hectic week at work, Jack decided to celebrate the weekend by meeting his friends at their favorite bar. They ordered their drinks and cheered as Jack raised his glass and said, "One for the road! Let's make the most out of this weekend!"

      Here, Jack is using the idiom in a way that shows his excitement and enthusiasm for the weekend. It sets a tone of enjoyment, fun, and revelry that encourages everyone to let their hair down and enjoy the weekend.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "one for the road" can have two different meanings. The first is the act of having one last alcoholic drink before leaving a place, and the second is taking something for the journey. Both meanings imply a sense of finality or preparation for leaving.

    In the context of having one last drink before leaving, the idiom is often used in social settings, such as bars or parties, to signify that the person is about to depart. It can also be used figuratively to mean taking one final action before moving on to a new stage or phase.

    In the context of taking something for the journey, the idiom is used to indicate that the person is preparing for a trip or travel by bringing along a drink or snack for the road. This can be both a literal and metaphorical representation of readiness for a journey.

    Origin of "One for the road"

    The origin of the idiom "one for the road" is believed to stem from the practice of having one last drink before leaving a social gathering. It is thought to have originated in the UK or Ireland, where pubs and social drinking have been an integral part of the culture for centuries. The phrase may have also been popularized in literature and film, further cementing its use in English language. Overall, the idiom reflects the cultural significance of social drinking and the rituals associated with leaving a gathering.