make a beeline to

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a beeline to" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone is quickly making their way to a particular destination. For example, "As soon as the bell rang, the kids made a beeline to the playground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

All of the coaches make a beeline to Paul".

The New Yorker

I've seen people take a look at my carry-on and then make a beeline to another checkpoint.

The New York Times

For now, make a beeline to Hill Country Living (709 Water Street, 830-895-4889) for elegand and timeless shopping finds like Vietri and Arte Italica housewares, or for classic and colorful place mats and napkins.

The New York Times

If you make a  beeline to the stalls, you might miss the pregnancy test dispenser fastened to a wall in the women's restroom of Pub 500 in Mankato, Minn.

The New York Times

And the gastronomic scene is no longer just about street food; gourmands should make a beeline to Iggy's for some of the best contemporary east-meets-west fare on the planet.

The Guardian - Travel

It includes such breakthrough tidbits as, "Make a beeline to the shortest x-ray queue" (really!?) and, after you've been through the scanner, "Don your coat and shoes while waiting for your bags" (who would have thought of that?).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

My daughter made a beeline to a 12-foot version, but I deemed that excessive.

The New York Times

He then made a beeline to London, starting work as a bar manager.

The New York Times

Following that effort, he made a beeline to the ice tub.

The New York Times - Sports

They made a beeline to her through the air and crawled up her trousers.

The New York Times

Nixon made a beeline to the railing that exposed the kitchen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a beeline to" to vividly describe someone moving directly and quickly towards something or someone, especially when they have a clear purpose or destination in mind.

Common error

Avoid using "make a beeline to" literally to describe the flight path of bees. The phrase is idiomatic and refers to human behavior, not actual bee navigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a beeline to" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, describing a direct and rapid movement toward a specific destination. Ludwig AI validates its usage as a common expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a beeline to" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe moving directly and quickly toward a specific destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternative phrases such as "head straight for" and "go directly to" can be used to add nuance. Remember to use this phrase figuratively and be mindful of the intended meaning in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head straight for

Emphasizes directness of movement, focusing on the absence of deviation.

go directly to

Highlights the immediate and unimpeded nature of the movement.

rush towards

Conveys a sense of urgency and speed in approaching the destination.

dart toward

Implies a sudden and quick movement in the direction of something.

make haste to

Highlights the speed and eagerness with which someone approaches a destination.

dash to

Focuses on the quickness and energy of the movement.

hurry to

Indicates a rapid movement due to a need to be quick.

scramble toward

Suggests a rushed and possibly disorganized movement towards a goal.

bolt for

Implies a sudden and energetic sprint toward a specific location.

sprint to

Emphasizes a fast run over a short distance to reach a destination.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a beeline to" to describe someone moving quickly and directly toward something. For example, "As soon as the doors opened, she "made a beeline to" the coffee machine."

What's a less common synonym for "make a beeline to"?

While "make a beeline to" is already relatively common, you could use phrases like "head straight for" or "go directly to" for a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "made a beeline for" instead of "make a beeline to"?

Yes, "made a beeline for" is a grammatically correct past tense form of the idiom. You can also use other verb tenses, such as "is making a beeline to" or "will make a beeline to", depending on the context.

What does "make a beeline to" imply about the person's intention?

"Make a beeline to" implies that the person has a clear destination and is moving purposefully and swiftly towards it, often with a specific goal or desire in mind.