WORD POWER
One for the road
Prerana Trehan

Roads and journeys not only make for interesting getaways but also give some useful idioms to the language.

End of the road: end of a situation or process.

Marion Jones has failed to qualify for the Olympics and many people are wondering whether this is the end of the road for her.

Down the road: something that will happen some time hence.

Although literacy rates are rising, 100 per cent literacy is still some years down the road.

Road to Damascus: a very important event that changes your whole life.

A chance encounter with a holy man after which I became a monk proved to be my road to Damascus.

Hit the road: start a journey.

We have to drive a long way and would prefer to hit the road early in the morning.

One for the road: a drink, usually an alcoholic drink, that you have before you start a journey.

It’s already quite late and we have just enough time for one for the road.

Road rage: violent incidents resulting from traffic disputes.

Studies indicate that road rage is responsible for a majority of accidents.

Rewrite the following sentences using idioms:

I see myself going into business for myself some years from now.

If I do not win this election, my career in politics will be over.

Anger and arguments while driving are responsible for rising levels of stress in the urban population.

I want to avoid driving at night and so I want to start right now.

(Reference: Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms)