make a beeline for
Meaning
Go straight toward someone or something as quickly and directly as possible.
Origin
From the idea that bees fly directly back to their hive (a βbee lineβ). The expression has been used since at least the 19th century to mean taking the most direct route.
Notes
Conversational and vivid; implies urgency or focus (no detours). Used with destinations/people/things after βfor.β
Examples
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As soon as the doors opened, she made a beeline for the front row seats.
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He made a beeline for the coffee machine the moment he got to the office.
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When the storm started, everyone made a beeline for the nearest shelter.
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I made a beeline for customer service to return the damaged item.
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The dog made a beeline for the lake and jumped right in.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually: make a beeline for + noun/pronoun ("made a beeline for the door"). Verb inflects (make/made/making). The "for" is fixed; often used with "straight" implied, not required.
Synonyms
- head straight for
- go straight to
- make a dash for
- make a straight line for
Antonyms
- take a detour
- wander around
- meander