Idioms and Expressions With "Way"

The following idioms and expressions with the noun 'way' cover a wide range of topics and meanings. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help you understand these common idiomatic expressions with 'way'.

Idioms and Expressions Using the Word "Way"

All the way

Definition: the entire distance, do everything necessary

• We drove all the way to Phoenix yesterday.
• I'm sure they will make it all the way to finals.

(Go) all the way

Definition: travel the entire distance, achieve everything possible

• Make sure you go all the way to the end of the hall.
• She'll go all the way!

In a bad way

Definition: feeling poorly, in a very negative situation

• I'm afraid Mary's in a bad way. She needs our help.
• That car looks like it's in a bad way.

In a big way

Definition: very much so

• I believe in that company in a big way.
• He enjoys tennis in a big way.

In a familiar way

Definition: pregnant

• Martha is in a familiar way.
• Did you know Peter's wife is in a familiar way?

In a family way

Definition: pregnant

• Mary is in a family way.
• I hear that Jennifer is in a family way.

It cuts both ways

Definition: there are two sides to every argument, don't forget someone else is also involved

• Don't forget that it cuts both ways.
• Be nice to people when you beat them. Remember it cuts both ways.

It cuts two ways

Definition: there are two sides to every argument, don't forget someone else is also involved

• Some people forget that it cuts two ways and treat others poorly.
• Never forget that it cuts two ways.

No way!

Definition: exclamation of disbelief when surprised by a statement

• I like Justin Bieber. - No way!
• Peter and Jane are going to get married. - No way!

The only way to go

Definition: the best solution

• I bought a Wilson tennis racket. They're the only way to go.
• If you go to Hawaii, stay in Maui. It's the only way to go.

Out of the way

Definition: be in a position to not prevent progress

• You need to stay out of the way of your kids when they are teenagers.
• Good bosses stay out of the way of their employees.

Swing both ways

Definition: to be bisexual

• Anna swings both ways.
• Some of the men at work swing both ways.

That's the way the ball bounces.

Definition: sentence used to accept defeat, or not achieving something one had hoped to achieve

• I didn't get the job. That's the way the ball bounces.
• Don't get depressed. That's the way the ball bounces.

That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Definition: sentence used to accept defeat, or not achieving something one had hoped to achieve

• Our football team last the game. I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.
• He wasn't accepted into the program. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

That way

Definition: in love

• Peter and Tom are that way.
• Jason's that way, but she doesn't feel the same.

Two-way street

Definition: the same for both people

• Love is a two-way street.
• Never forget that your business associates are in a relationship with you that is a two-way street.

Way down

Definition: truthfully, the true feeling

• Way down he feels he should go back to university.
• I know she loves me way down.

Way off (base)

Definition: completely wrong

• I think your opinion of Tom is way off base.
• I was way off base about Mary. She really is a great person.

Way out

Definition: crazy, unbelievable

• That theory about UFOs is way out.
• Jack seems a little way out to me.

Way to go!

Definition: exclamation of praise

• I won the match. - Way to go!!
• Way to go, Tom! I knew you would get the job.