by way of (something)
by way of (something)
1. Via a place, route, or mode of transportation. Patty is coming by way of train, and she's supposed to get here by 11. She doesn't have a direct flight—she's coming by way of Atlanta.
2. As a method or means of doing something. When Paul arrived 30 minutes late, he complained about the traffic by way of explanation.
See also: by, of, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
by way of something
1. passing through something (as a place); via something. He came home by way of Toledo. She went to the bank by way of the drugstore.
2. in illustration; as an example. By way of illustration, the professor drew a picture on the board. He read them a passage from Shakespeare by way of example.
See also: by, of, way
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
by way of
1. Through, via, as in I'm flying to Australia by way of Hawaii. [Mid-1400s]
2. As a means of, as in He paid our fares by way of apology. [Late 1300s]
See also: by, of, way
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
by way of something
1 (of a journey) passing through a place: They’re going to Poland by way of France and Germany.
2 as a kind of something; as something: What are you thinking of doing by way of a vacation this year? The flowers are by way of a ‘thank-you’ for all her help.
See also: by, of, something, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
by way of
1. Through; via: flew to the Far East by way of the polar route.
2. As a means of: made no comment by way of apology.
See also: by, of, way
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- by way of
- by way of something
- aboard
- all aboard
- book (one) through
- book through
- book on
- book (one) on (something)
- burger
- à la mode