What is the right phrase to introduce someone or a group of people who do something new or pioneering? Well, the answer would be ‘to blaze a trail’ idiom which is part of English grammar. The literal origin of this idiom comes from the act of marking a path through a forest. Historically, pioneers and explorers would cut marks into trees, known as blazes, to indicate the correct route. Therefore, these blazes served as a guide for those who followed. If you wish to learn more about this idiom, its origin, usage and example, be sure to continue reading this blog post.
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To Blaze a Trail: Meaning, Origin and Examples
As per the information above, you must see that the idiom ‘to blaze a trail’ refers to the first person or group to do something new or pioneering, often leading the way for others to follow. Another way to interpret this idiom is to explore uncharted territory and establish a new standard or precedent.
Here are a few examples of ‘to blaze a trail’ that will help you create similar sentences.
- Elon Musk blazed a trail in the electric car industry.
- The suffragettes blazed a trail for women’s rights.
The origin of the phrase ‘to blaze a trail’ comes from the literal act of marking a path through a forest by cutting marks or notches into trees, creating a “blaze” to guide others.
To Blaze a Trail Idiom Example Sentences
Check out a few examples of the ‘to blaze a train’ idiom, which will help you understand its meaning and how to use it in your sentences.
- The astronauts blazed a trail for human exploration in space.
- Marie Curie blazed a trail in the field of radioactivity.
- The startup company is hoping to blaze a trail in artificial intelligence.
- The social activist blazed a trail for LGBTQ+ rights.
- The explorer blazed a trail through the uncharted wilderness.
Also Read: Drive Someone Up The Wall Idiom
Synonyms of To Blaze a Trail Idiom
After you have gone through all the information about the idiom, you should also be aware of synonyms that can be used in its place. Below, we have mentioned a few synonyms or similar words for ‘to blaze a trail’ idiom that you can use to enhance your writing skills.
Pioneer | Lead the way |
Be a forerunner | Set a precedent |
Also Read: Benefit of Doubt Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
To Blaze a Trail Idiom Quiz
Once you have gone through all the knowledge related to the ‘blaze a trail’ idiom, it is time to test your understanding with the help of this quiz we have prepared for you. You can check your answers at the end.
Question 1:
What does the idiom “to blaze a trail” mean?
A. To follow someone else’s footsteps
B. To be the first to do something new
C. To get lost in the woods
D. To set something on fire
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for “blaze a trail”?
A. Pioneer
B. Follow
C. Innovate
D. Lead the way
Question 3:
Complete the sentence: “Elon Musk has ________ in the electric car industry.”
A. blazed a trail
B. followed the crowd
C. taken a backseat
D. lost his way
Question 4:
Which historical figure is often associated with blazing a trail for women’s rights?
A. Marie Curie
B. Amelia Earhart
C. Susan B. Anthony
D. Cleopatra
Check your Answers!
- B
- B
- A
- C
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FAQs
The idiom ‘to blaze a trail’ refers to someone or a group of people who make way for others; in other words, it means paving the way for others.
This idiom refers to someone marking their territory on a tree by slashing the bark with a sharp object, a practice that was common in earlier times.
Some of the words that can be used in place of ‘blaze the way’ are, pave the way, set a direction or course and so on.
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