make way

Etymology

Originally nautical

Verb

make way (third-person singular simple present makes way, present participle making way, simple past and past participle made way)

1. To make progress.

   He was starting to make his way in the world.

2. (nautical, of a vessel) To progress through the water ^[1].
3. (idiomatic, intransitive) To give place or step aside.
   • 2008 September 15, Philip P. Pan, “In Wake of Georgian War, Russian Media Feel Heat”, in Washington Post, page A14:

     Many analysts say he remains Russia's paramount leader despite stepping down as president to make way for Medvedev

   • 2011 September 24, Aled Williams, “Chelsea 4 - 1 Swansea”, in BBC Sport‎:

     Chelsea made two changes to the side that lost at Manchester United, with Frank Lampard making way for John Obi Mikel and Nicolas Anelka starting ahead of Didier Drogba.

Interjection

make way

1. (nautical) an instruction to get out of the way of someone else, usually because they are carrying something and need a clear pathway. Compare with gangway.

References