What does “Round the houses” mean?

"Round the houses" means taking a long and indirect route to reach a destination.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Instead of taking the direct route, he decided to go round the houses to get to the mall.

Example

We got lost and ended up going round the houses before finding the restaurant.

Example

She always takes round the houses routes when driving, just to enjoy the scenic views

Is “Round the houses” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Round the houses” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Round the houses” effectively in context?

You can use "Round the Houses" to describe taking a long and indirect route to reach a destination. It implies that someone is unnecessarily prolonging the journey or making it more complicated than necessary. For example, if a friend takes a detour instead of taking the direct route to a mall, you might say, 'Why did you go round the houses? You could have just taken the main road.'

1Directions
Instead of taking the direct route, he decided to go round the houses to get to the mall.
2Getting Lost
We got lost and ended up going round the houses before finding the restaurant.
3Scenic Routes
She always takes round the houses routes when driving, just to enjoy the scenic views.

Similar phrases to “Round the houses”:

Take the long way around

To choose a longer or more complicated route to reach a destination

Example

Instead of taking the shortcut, she decided to take the long way around.

Beat around the bush

To avoid addressing a topic directly or to delay getting to the point

Example

Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.

Go off on a tangent

To start talking about something unrelated or irrelevant

Example

He tends to go off on a tangent during meetings and lose track of the main topic.

Take the scenic route

To choose a route that offers beautiful views or interesting sights, even if it's longer

Example

Instead of taking the highway, they decided to take the scenic route along the coast.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Round the houses” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Round the Houses" is unknown.

Is “Round the houses” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Round the Houses" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe taking a longer or more complicated route to a destination.

What tone does “Round the houses” have?

"Round the Houses" conveys a tone of mild criticism or amusement. It's often used to gently poke fun at someone for choosing a longer or unnecessary route.

Can “Round the houses” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Round the Houses" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific type of journey. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He took the scenic route and went round the houses.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Why go "round the houses"?' to question someone's choice of route.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

take a detour
go the long way
wander off the path
take a circuitous route
choose the scenic route

Antonyms

take the direct route
go straight there
take the shortest path
follow a straight line