give way to

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does give way to mean? In what situations is give way to used?

Meaning of "give way to"

Meaning

The idiom ‘give way to’ has two distinct meanings. The first is to yield to something, to surrender to an obstacle or force. The second is to give space to, to make way for someone or something else.

Etymology

The idiom ‘give way to’ is believed to have originated in the late 16th century United Kingdom. The etymology of the phrase comes from the nautical term, ‘give way’, which means to move away from a fixed point, such as a dock.

Usage

The literal meaning of the phrase ‘give way to’ is used in many maritime contexts. It’s important for vessels to give way to one another, in order to avoid collisions or accidents on the water.

The figurative meaning of ‘give way to’ is applied most oftenly in everyday life. It’s used to describe a situation in which someone or something is yielding to a more powerful force or giving way to another person or thing. It can also be used in instances where one thing is prioritized over another, and the first is ‘giving way’ to the second. For example, someone could ‘give way to’ an urgent work project, meaning they prioritize it over other tasks or activities.

The phrase ‘give way to’ can also be used to describe a physical space or location. It implies that someone or something is trying to move through or take a space, and another is ‘giving way’ to make room for them.

Example Sentences

• We had to give way to the bigger vessel in order to avoid a collision.
• My plans had to give way to my work obligation.
• He had to give way to the other cars on the road.
• I had to give way to the crowds of people trying to get through the door.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.