People love to explore. Sometimes they travel to new places, try different foods, or learn about something they’ve never seen before. Exploring can be fun and exciting. It helps us learn more about the world and ourselves.
When people talk about exploring, they often use special phrases called idioms. Idioms are expressions that mean something different from the words you see. For example, someone might say “off the beaten path” to talk about going to a place not many people visit. In this article, we will learn 35 idioms about exploring. Each one will include its meaning, an easy example, and some fun facts. These idioms will help you speak and understand English better in a fun way.
Idioms About Exploring
1. Off the beaten path
Meaning: A place that is not well known or often visited.
Example Sentence: We went camping off the beaten path and saw no other people. My uncle took us to a beach that was off the beaten path.
Other ways to say: Hidden spot, quiet place
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from walking trails—“beaten paths” are worn by many feet, so places “off” them are less visited.
Usage: Use this when someone goes to a quiet or unusual place.
2. Hit the road
Meaning: To begin a trip or start traveling.
Example Sentence: We packed our bags and hit the road early in the morning. Dad said it’s time to hit the road if we want to beat traffic.
Other ways to say: Get going, start the journey
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from car travel—hitting the road means putting your car tires on the highway.
Usage: Use this when someone is leaving to go somewhere.
3. Wanderlust
Meaning: A strong desire to travel and explore.
Example Sentence: My sister has wanderlust and wants to visit every state. I feel wanderlust when I see travel shows.
Other ways to say: Love for travel, travel bug
Fun Fact/Origin: This word comes from German and means “a love of walking.”
Usage: Use this when someone really wants to go exploring.
4. Blaze a trail
Meaning: To go somewhere new or do something that hasn’t been done before.
Example Sentence: Lewis and Clark blazed a trail across the west. My brother blazed a trail by starting his own garden at school.
Other ways to say: Be the first, lead the way
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old times when explorers marked trees with cuts to make a trail.
Usage: Use when someone tries something new or goes somewhere first.
5. Travel light
Meaning: To bring only a few things when traveling.
Example Sentence: Mom said we should travel light for the camping trip. He always travels light with just a backpack.
Other ways to say: Pack light, bring less
Fun Fact/Origin: This started with people carrying bags by hand—lighter meant easier to move.
Usage: Use this when someone packs only what they need.
6. Call of the wild
Meaning: A strong feeling to go out into nature or explore.
Example Sentence: I felt the call of the wild when I saw the mountains. She answered the call of the wild by hiking in the forest.
Other ways to say: Nature calling, feel like exploring
Fun Fact/Origin: Made popular by the book The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Usage: Use when someone wants to go outdoors or into nature.
7. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To put in more effort or explore further than expected.
Example Sentence: She went the extra mile to find the perfect trail. We went the extra mile to see the waterfall.
Other ways to say: Do more, go further
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Bible times, meaning to do more than required.
Usage: Use when someone does more than what’s needed.
8. Make your way
Meaning: To move or travel in a direction.
Example Sentence: We made our way through the forest slowly. He made his way to the top of the hill.
Other ways to say: Move along, go ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s an old phrase meaning to find a path.
Usage: Use this when someone is heading somewhere.
9. Off to a flying start
Meaning: To begin something in a fast and smooth way.
Example Sentence: Our road trip got off to a flying start. The hike was off to a flying start with sunny weather.
Other ways to say: Start strong, great beginning
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from racing or planes taking off quickly.
Usage: Use this when a trip or adventure starts well.
10. Go off the grid
Meaning: To travel without using phones, internet, or GPS.
Example Sentence: We went off the grid for a weekend in the woods. He loves to go off the grid during summer.
Other ways to say: Unplug, disconnect
Fun Fact/Origin: Originally used for people not connected to power or water systems.
Usage: Use this when someone wants to be away from tech.
11. Chart a course
Meaning: To plan a path or direction for travel.
Example Sentence: The captain charted a course to the island. We charted a course through the national park.
Other ways to say: Plan a route, find the way
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sailors drawing lines on maps.
Usage: Use when planning a journey or route.
12. Pack it in
Meaning: To stop exploring or traveling for the day.
Example Sentence: We were tired and packed it in after the hike. After seeing the canyon, we packed it in.
Other ways to say: Stop for now, call it a day
Fun Fact/Origin: This may come from packing up tools or supplies.
Usage: Use this when someone decides to rest or stop.
13. Itchy feet
Meaning: Feeling the need to travel or move.
Example Sentence: After a week at home, I got itchy feet. She always gets itchy feet during summer.
Other ways to say: Restless, ready to go
Fun Fact/Origin: People say your feet “itch” when you want to move around.
Usage: Use this when someone wants to go somewhere new.
14. Break new ground
Meaning: To explore or do something never done before.
Example Sentence: The team broke new ground in Antarctica. He broke new ground by biking across the state.
Other ways to say: Try something new, be the first
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from digging or farming in new soil.
Usage: Use when doing something bold or new.
15. Go exploring
Meaning: To travel and find new places.
Example Sentence: Let’s go exploring in the woods! We went exploring and found a secret cave.
Other ways to say: Look around, check it out
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “explore” comes from Latin meaning “search out.”
Usage: Use this when someone is looking for new places.
16. Hop on board
Meaning: To join a trip or adventure.
Example Sentence: Come hop on board our road trip! I hopped on board the group hike.
Other ways to say: Join in, come along
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from getting on a train or bus.
Usage: Use when inviting someone to join an outing.
17. Take the scenic route
Meaning: To take a longer way to enjoy the views.
Example Sentence: We took the scenic route through the mountains. She always takes the scenic route to enjoy the drive.
Other ways to say: Long way, pretty path
Fun Fact/Origin: “Scenic” means full of nice views.
Usage: Use when someone takes a beautiful but longer way.
18. Find your bearings
Meaning: To figure out where you are.
Example Sentence: I stopped to find my bearings after getting lost. He needed a minute to find his bearings in the forest.
Other ways to say: Get your direction, find your way
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from using a compass or stars.
Usage: Use when someone is lost or looking for direction.
19. Put on your explorer hat
Meaning: To get ready to explore with curiosity.
Example Sentence: Put on your explorer hat, we’re heading into the cave! The class put on their explorer hats for the museum trip.
Other ways to say: Be curious, get ready to explore
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s a fun phrase based on dressing like a real explorer.
Usage: Use when encouraging adventure and learning.
20. Go down a rabbit hole
Meaning: To get deep into exploring something small or strange.
Example Sentence: I went down a rabbit hole reading about space. He went down a rabbit hole looking for hidden caves online.
Other ways to say: Get deep into something, look too far
Fun Fact/Origin: From Alice in Wonderland, where Alice follows a rabbit into a strange world.
Usage: Use when someone gets really into a topic or place.
21. Test the waters
Meaning: To try something a little before doing more.
Example Sentence: We tested the waters by hiking a short trail first. He tested the waters before planning a big trip.
Other ways to say: Try out, give it a go
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from people checking water before jumping in.
Usage: Use when trying something new in a small way first.
22. Off on an adventure
Meaning: To leave for an exciting or new trip.
Example Sentence: We’re off on an adventure to the mountains! She packed her bag and was off on an adventure.
Other ways to say: Going exploring, heading out
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “adventure” means trying something bold.
Usage: Use when someone starts a fun journey.
23. See the world
Meaning: To travel to many places.
Example Sentence: I want to see the world when I grow up. They saved money to see the world together.
Other ways to say: Travel a lot, visit many places
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom means looking beyond your home and learning from other places.
Usage: Use when talking about global travel.
24. Go on a wild goose chase
Meaning: To search for something that’s hard or impossible to find.
Example Sentence: We went on a wild goose chase trying to find the old mine. He sent us on a wild goose chase for a treasure that didn’t exist.
Other ways to say: Look for nothing, waste time searching
Fun Fact/Origin: Goose chases are wild and hard to catch—just like the search.
Usage: Use when someone is looking for something unlikely.
25. On the road again
Meaning: To start traveling again.
Example Sentence: After lunch, we were on the road again. They fixed the flat tire and got on the road again.
Other ways to say: Start moving again, back to traveling
Fun Fact/Origin: Made popular by a Willie Nelson song.
Usage: Use when someone continues their trip.
26. Follow your nose
Meaning: To find your way by instinct or curiosity.
Example Sentence: I followed my nose and found the bakery. He followed his nose and ended up at the waterfall.
Other ways to say: Trust yourself, explore freely
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals using their sense of smell to explore.
Usage: Use when someone explores using feeling or clues.
27. Take the plunge
Meaning: To finally decide to do something new or scary.
Example Sentence: I took the plunge and signed up for the cave tour. She took the plunge and booked a solo trip.
Other ways to say: Go for it, give it a shot
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from jumping into deep water.
Usage: Use when someone chooses to do something bold.
28. Go out on a limb
Meaning: To take a risk or do something unsure.
Example Sentence: He went out on a limb and explored the dark tunnel. I went out on a limb and tried a new trail alone.
Other ways to say: Take a chance, be brave
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from climbing trees—limbs are weaker than trunks.
Usage: Use when someone takes a chance.
29. Get your feet wet
Meaning: To try something for the first time.
Example Sentence: I got my feet wet by joining the hiking group. She got her feet wet with a short trip.
Other ways to say: Try a little, take a first step
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from stepping into water to begin swimming.
Usage: Use when someone is just starting something new.
30. Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: To explore or search every part.
Example Sentence: We left no stone unturned while looking for clues. He left no stone unturned on his treasure hunt.
Other ways to say: Look everywhere, search fully
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from lifting every stone when looking for something.
Usage: Use when someone explores in great detail.
31. Wheels up
Meaning: To take off or begin a trip.
Example Sentence: The plane was wheels up by noon. As soon as we left the driveway, it was wheels up.
Other ways to say: Start flying, trip begins
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from airplane wheels lifting during takeoff.
Usage: Use when beginning a journey or flight.
32. Step into the unknown
Meaning: To explore something unfamiliar.
Example Sentence: I stepped into the unknown when I went to that island. She stepped into the unknown by hiking solo.
Other ways to say: Go somewhere new, face the unknown
Fun Fact/Origin: This means going forward even if you’re unsure.
Usage: Use when someone tries something unfamiliar.
33. In uncharted territory
Meaning: In a place or situation you’ve never been.
Example Sentence: We were in uncharted territory while kayaking. He felt like he was in uncharted territory at the new school.
Other ways to say: Unknown place, new ground
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from maps without markings—uncharted.
Usage: Use when someone is in a new situation or place.
34. Hit the trail
Meaning: To start walking or hiking.
Example Sentence: We hit the trail early to see the sunrise. The hikers hit the trail with excitement.
Other ways to say: Start the hike, begin the path
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used by hikers or backpackers.
Usage: Use when someone starts a walk or hike.
35. Go walkabout
Meaning: To go exploring with no set plan.
Example Sentence: I went walkabout in the woods to see what I could find. He went walkabout through the city.
Other ways to say: Wander, explore freely
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Australian Aboriginal culture, meaning a journey on foot.
Usage: Use when someone explores with no fixed path.
Quiz: Idioms About Exploring
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “off the beaten path” mean?
A) On a very popular trail
B) In a place where lots of people are
C) In a quiet place few people visit
2. If someone “hits the road,” what are they doing?
A) Starting a trip
B) Going to sleep
C) Building a road
3. What does it mean if you have “itchy feet”?
A) You want to travel
B) You need new shoes
C) You are standing too long
4. When someone says “take the scenic route,” what do they mean?
A) Go the fastest way
B) Go the way with the prettiest views
C) Get lost on purpose
5. If you “test the waters,” what are you doing?
A) Checking how cold the ocean is
B) Seeing if you like something before doing more
C) Drinking water on a hike
6. What does “step into the unknown” mean?
A) Go into a room with lights on
B) Try something you know really well
C) Try something new or unfamiliar
7. If someone “takes the plunge,” what are they doing?
A) Diving into water
B) Finally doing something bold or scary
C) Splashing in a pool
8. What does “travel light” mean?
A) Carry very little
B) Walk very fast
C) Use a flashlight while traveling
9. If someone “leaves no stone unturned,” what are they doing?
A) Walking carefully in a garden
B) Looking in every place
C) Skipping rocks on a lake
10. What does “go on a wild goose chase” mean?
A) Chasing animals in the wild
B) Going to the zoo
C) Looking for something hard to find
Answer Key
- C – In a quiet place few people visit
- A – Starting a trip
- A – You want to travel
- B – Go the way with the prettiest views
- B – Seeing if you like something before doing more
- C – Try something new or unfamiliar
- B – Finally doing something bold or scary
- A – Carry very little
- B – Looking in every place
- C – Looking for something hard to find
Wrapping Up
Exploring can be fun and full of surprises. Idioms help us talk about those experiences in colorful ways. From “off the beaten path” to “step into the unknown,” each phrase tells a small story. These idioms make everyday talking more interesting and easier to understand.
Next time you go on a trip or try something new, try using one of these idioms. It might make your story even better. Exploring isn’t just about going far—it’s about being curious, brave, and ready for anything.
