GO ASTRAY Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "go astray" refers to the act of deviating from the correct or expected path, course, or behavior. It describes a situation where someone or something veers off track or goes wrong, resulting in an undesired or unintended outcome.
In a literal sense, "go astray" can refer to getting lost or losing one's way physically. For instance, someone might take a wrong turn while driving and find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Similarly, hikers or explorers may deviate from the intended path and find themselves in an unknown location.
However, the phrase is more commonly used in figurative contexts to describe a situation where a person's actions, decisions, or behavior do not align with what is considered acceptable, moral, or expected. It implies a departure from the standards or guidelines that should be followed. For example, if a person with good intentions ends up making mistakes or poor choices, their actions can be said to have gone astray. Similarly, if a project or plan fails due to errors or mismanagement, it can be said to have gone astray.
In summary, "go astray" conveys the idea of deviation, erring, or straying from the right or desired path, whether it is physical or metaphorical. It suggests a departure from what is correct, acceptable, or expected, leading to an undesirable outcome.
Common Misspellings for GO ASTRAY
- fo astray
- vo astray
- bo astray
- ho astray
- yo astray
- to astray
- gi astray
- gk astray
- gl astray
- gp astray
- g0 astray
- g9 astray
- go zstray
- go sstray
- go wstray
- go qstray
- go aatray
- go aztray
- go axtray
- go adtray
Etymology of GO ASTRAY
The word "astray" originated from Middle English "astraien", which in turn came from Old French "estrayer". It was formed by combining the prefix "es-" (meaning "out" or "away") with the Old French word "traire" (meaning "to pull" or "to lead"). Originally, "astray" meant to be pulled away or led off course.
The phrase "go astray" follows the same pattern of using "astray" as an adverb to describe the action of going away or deviating from the right path or course. It is believed to have emerged in the late 14th century and has been used figuratively to describe making a mistake, going wrong, or becoming morally misguided.
Idioms with the word GO ASTRAY
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the best-laid schemes go astray
The idiom "the best-laid schemes go astray" means that even the most carefully and thoughtfully planned out plans or intentions can go wrong or not work as intended. It emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the inability to control every outcome, regardless of how well one has prepared or planned.
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the best-laid plans go astray
The idiom "the best-laid plans go astray" means that even the most well thought out and carefully made plans can go wrong or fail unexpectedly. It implies that despite one's meticulous planning or preparation, unforeseen circumstances or events can lead to the failure or disruption of those plans.
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the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
The idiom "the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray" refers to the idea that even the most well thought out or carefully made plans can often end up failing or not going as intended due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond one's control. This phrase is derived from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse," where he reflects on how human plans, just like those of mice, can be easily disrupted or rendered ineffective.
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best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
The idiom "best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray" refers to the idea that even the most carefully thought out or well-intentioned plans can often go wrong or not go as expected. This phrase is derived from a line in the poem "To a Mouse" by Scottish poet Robert Burns, where he apologizes to a mouse for inadvertently destroying its nest while plowing his field. The idiom implies that despite our efforts to plan and organize, unexpected circumstances or events can derail our intentions.
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bestlaid plans of mice and men oft go astray
The idiom "best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray" refers to the unforeseen events or circumstances that can disrupt or ruin even the most carefully thought out or meticulously planned endeavors. It suggests that no matter how well one plans, there is always a chance for things to go wrong or not work out as intended.
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go astray
The idiom "go astray" means to become lost, to deviate from the right path or course, or to make a mistake.
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bestlaid plans of mice and men oft(en) go astray,
This idiom means that even the most carefully prepared plans can go wrong or be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.
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best-laid plans of mice and men oft(en) go astray,
This idiom means that even the most carefully thought out and well-made plans can be ruined or fail. It is a reminder that unexpected events or circumstances can interfere with one's intentions, no matter how well prepared or organized one may be.
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best-laid plans go astray, the
The idiom "best-laid plans go astray, the" means that despite careful planning and preparation, circumstances can still go awry and cause the original plans to fail.
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