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Region: General | Usage example: She made a beeline for the buffet when the doors opened.

Make a beeline

Meaning

To head directly toward someone or something.

Usage

Used when someone goes straight to the point or goal.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Observation that bees fly straight to their hive or food source.

Recorded in American speech since the early 1900s.

Related Idioms

Make your blood boil

Make someone extremely angry.

Make a long story short

Summarize briefly.

Make waves

Cause disturbance or draw attention by challenging norms.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.