make a beeline for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a beeline for" is a valid phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It means to move in a straight line toward a designated destination as fast as possible. You can use it in a sentence like this: "I was late for my appointment, so I made a beeline for the meeting room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And visitors craving homey American baked goods can make a beeline for doughnut- and muffin-making workshops.

The New York Times

A first lieutenant make a beeline for a foxhole.

The New Yorker

Cats bypass stonier beds and make a beeline for mine.

The New York Times

Should I make a beeline for that woman?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I make a beeline for the used rock and pop section.

Independent

I make a beeline for Muji whenever I visit Tokyo (or New York, London or Paris).

The New York Times

But first I make a beeline for the hot water dispenser.

The Guardian - Arts

He watches the models make a beeline for their BlackBerries and start typing urgently.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fans of the feminine aesthetic should make a beeline for lace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He would skip Puerto Rico and Miami and make a beeline for Norfolk.

The New York Times

Once inside, make a beeline for the best position (right at the front, of course).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about characters or people heading directly to a specific place or target, make sure it’s a straight, unobstructed path. If there are obstacles or they have to deviate, consider using an alternative that highlights the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "make a beeline for" when the movement isn't direct or immediate. This idiom implies a straight, purposeful path. If the movement is hesitant, meandering, or involves stops, a different phrase would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "I made a beeline for the door, stopping to chat with colleagues", consider “I headed for the door, stopping to chat with colleagues”.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make a beeline for" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a direct and swift movement towards a specific destination. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts where someone is heading directly to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a beeline for" is an idiomatic verb phrase used to describe moving quickly and directly towards a specific destination. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in the news and media. While it is considered to have a neutral tone, its vivid imagery makes it a valuable addition to many writing contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it appropriately reflects the intent of the movement you are describing; a straight and purposeful path.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a beeline to

This is a slight variation of the original phrase with 'to' instead of 'for'.

head straight for

Focuses on directness of path rather than speed.

go directly to

Emphasizes the lack of deviation in the route.

rush towards

Highlights the urgency and speed of the movement.

dart toward

Suggests a quick and nimble movement.

sprint to

Suggests running as fast as possible.

zoom in on

Implies rapid approach and focus on a specific target.

go flat out to

Implies moving at top speed toward the specified destination.

gravitate toward

Indicates a natural or compelling attraction to the destination.

zero in on

Emphasizes precision and focus in targeting a destination.

FAQs

How can I use "make a beeline for" in a sentence?

The phrase "make a beeline for" is used to describe moving quickly and directly towards something. For example, "As soon as the doors opened, I made a beeline for the coffee machine."

What does "make a beeline for" mean?

It means to go straight and quickly towards someone or something, like a bee flying directly to a flower.

Which is more appropriate, "head straight for" or "make a beeline for"?

"Make a beeline for" implies more urgency and directness, while "head straight for" is more general.

What are some situations where I might "make a beeline for" something?

You might "make a beeline for" the exit when you want to leave a boring party, or "make a beeline for" the food when you're really hungry. In any situations where you have a destination and want to get there quickly.