bee-line

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To take a bee-line, is to take the most direct or straight way from one point to another. Bees in returning to their hives after having loaded themselves with honey always fly back to the hive in a direct line. For a further explanation see the phrase lining bees.


This road is one of nature's laying. It goes determinedly straight up and straight down the hills, and in a "bee line" as we say.--Mrs. Clavers.

I acknowledge the corn, boys, that when I started my track warn't anything like a bee-line;--the sweeten'd whiskey had made me powerful thick-legged.--Robb, Squatter Life.

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