a winding path

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   a narrow route for walking that curves and twists instead of going straight

   Grammar: Countable phrase: you can say a winding path or winding paths, and it often takes through or up: a path through the woods.

   Patterns

   • a winding path through something
   • a winding path up something
   • follow a winding path

   We followed a winding path through the garden until we reached a small pond.

   A winding path led up the hill to the old church.

   The map showed a winding path along the edge of the lake.

2. 2phrasecountablefigurative

   a course of action or way of life that is not direct and has many changes

   Grammar: Figurative use; often with to or toward: a winding path to success.

   Patterns

   • a winding path to something
   • take a winding path

   Her career took a winding path before she became a teacher.

   Learning a language is a winding path, not a straight line.

Common combinations

a winding path through the woods

A winding path through the woods brought us to a quiet stream.

follow a winding path

Follow the winding path until you see the gate.

a narrow winding path

A narrow winding path climbed steeply between the rocks.

a winding mountain path

The winding mountain path was slippery after the rain.

Synonyms and how they differ

a twisting path

Twisting suggests sharper, more frequent turns; winding is gentler and often used for pleasant scenery.

a curving path

Curving means bending in a smooth arc, while winding suggests a series of bends.

Opposites

Word family

wind verb

To follow a route with many turns: The road winds through the valley.

winding adjective

Having many bends: a winding staircase.

Commonly confused: a winding path or a windy path?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a winding path”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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