Definition

Verb phrase: - To travel from place to place, typically as part of a theatrical company or similar performing group, presenting performances in different towns. This implies a touring lifestyle.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the action of embarking on a journey, specifically for the purpose of touring and performing. It often carries a historical or romantic connotation of traveling performers.

Examples: - After the local theater closed, the actors decided to take the road and perform in neighboring counties. - In the 19th century, many musicians would take the road to bring entertainment to remote communities. - The circus has taken the road every summer for the past fifty years.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in a broader, more metaphorical sense to mean "to begin a journey" or "to start traveling," though this is less common. The theatrical context is primary.
  • With their new album finished, the band is ready to take the road again.

Variants and Related Words

• Take to the road: A very similar phrasal verb meaning to begin a journey or start traveling. It is more general and not specifically tied to performing.
  • The truckers took to the road at dawn.
• On the road: An adjective or adverbial phrase describing the state of traveling or touring.
  • The play has been on the road for six months.

Synonyms

• Tour: To make a journey, typically for pleasure or as part of a professional engagement (e.g., a concert tour).
• Travel: To make a journey, typically of some length.
• Go on tour: A more modern and direct synonym for the theatrical sense of "take the road."

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hit the road: An informal idiom meaning to begin a journey or to leave.
  • It's getting late; we should hit the road.

Related Idioms

• Life on the road: Refers to the lifestyle, experiences, and challenges associated with constant traveling, especially for work like performing.
  • He wrote a book about the joys and hardships of life on the road.

Verb

1. give theatrical performances while traveling from town to town