making a beeline for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a beeline for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone moving quickly and directly towards a specific target or destination. Example: "As soon as the meeting ended, she made a beeline for the exit to catch her train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Baldwin was at the door, making a beeline for our table.

The New York Times

No wonder so many people are making a beeline for it.

The Economist

"And I saw this homeless guy making a beeline for us.

The New York Times

I looked around, and he was making a beeline for this very attractive blond woman.

The New York Times

Like most holidaymakers we'd have driven straight past it, making a beeline for the beach.

The Guardian - Travel

But making a beeline for Anna two seconds after Bates had left the building?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

When John Beilein unexpectedly left West Virginia for Michigan a year later, Huggins made a beeline for the Mountaineers.

The New York Times - Sports

Bloomfield made a beeline for the water.

The New Yorker

Few made a beeline for the exit.

The New York Times - Travel

He made a beeline for the van.

The New York Times - Arts

A first lieutenant make a beeline for a foxhole.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making a beeline for", ensure the context clearly establishes both the starting point and the destination for the subject. This avoids confusion and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "making a beeline for" in contexts where the movement is slow or indirect. This idiom implies a rapid, purposeful trajectory, and misusing it can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "making a beeline for" is to act as a verb phrase, describing a direct and rapid movement towards a specific destination. This is supported by Ludwig examples, which consistently show the phrase used to indicate someone heading directly to a place or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making a beeline for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiom that describes direct and rapid movement towards a specific destination. Ludwig confirms that it functions primarily as a verb phrase, and its communicative purpose is to vividly convey intention and speed. The phrase is neutral in register, making it appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "heading straight for" or "going directly to" exist, "making a beeline for" uniquely combines the elements of speed and focused direction. The phrase is very common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Making a beeline towards

A simple variation that uses a slightly different preposition. This version doesn't suggest the destination is always reached.

Heading straight for

Focuses on the direction of movement, omitting the sense of urgency.

Going directly to

Emphasizes the lack of deviation in the route, without implying speed.

Rushing toward

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of the movement, potentially implying less precision.

Dashing to

Implies a sudden, quick movement, suggesting a shorter distance.

Bolting to

Suggests a very rapid and often unexpected movement, as if fleeing.

Zeroing in on

Highlights the act of focusing intently on a target, rather than the movement itself.

Targeting directly

Shifts the focus to the intention and aim, removing the sense of physical motion.

Steering straight to

Implies guidance or navigation toward a destination.

Navigating directly to

Adds a sense of intentional course-plotting, often used in more technical contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "making a beeline for" to describe someone moving quickly and directly toward a specific target. For example, "As soon as the doors opened, the shoppers were "making a beeline for" the sales rack".

What can I say instead of "making a beeline for"?

You can use alternatives like "heading straight for", "going directly to", or "rushing toward" depending on the context.

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

While "making a beeline to" might seem logical, the established idiom is "making a beeline for". Using "for" correctly indicates the target or destination of the direct movement.

What's the difference between "making a beeline for" and "zeroing in on"?

"Zeroing in on" emphasizes the act of focusing intently on a target, while "making a beeline for" emphasizes the rapid, direct movement towards that target.