go astray

go astray

1. To deviate from what is good or expected. It's not hard to get that professor to go astray and start ranting about current events.
2. To become lost. A: "It seems my coat has gone astray." B: "Hmm, maybe someone picked it up by mistake."
3. To become fraught with error or proceed in a way that will not lead to success or a positive outcome. We finally had to call in a professional after my efforts to fix the boiler went astray. My life goals just kind of went astray for a time in my twenties, but I've gotten back on track.
See also: astray, go
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go astray

 
1. Lit. to wander off the road or path. Stick to the path and try not to go astray. I couldn't see the trail and I almost went astray.
2. Fig. [for something] to get lost or misplaced. My glasses have gone astray again. Mary's book went astray or maybe it was stolen.
3. Fig. to turn bad or wander from the way of goodness; to make an error. I'm afraid your son has gone astray and gotten into a bit of trouble. Iwent astray with the computer program at this point.
See also: astray, go
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go astray

Wander off the right path or subject; also, wander into evil or error. For example, It was hard to follow the lecturer's gist, since he kept going astray, or The gang members led him astray, and he ended up in court. This expression alludes to sheep or other animals that stray from the rest of the flock. Indeed, Handel's oratorio Messiah (1741) has this chorus: "All we like sheep have gone astray, Every one to his own way." [c. 1300]
See also: astray, go
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

go aˈstray


1 become lost; be stolen: Several letters went astray or were not delivered. We locked up our valuables so they wouldn’t go astray.
2 go in the wrong direction or have the wrong result: Fortunately the gunman’s shots went astray.
See also: astray, go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rant against
  • rant against (someone or something)
  • escort (one) to (something)
  • escort to
  • deviate
  • deviate from
  • deviate from (something)
  • rant and rave
  • rant and rave, to
  • rave
References in periodicals archive
He also expressed his resolve that PML-N's struggle for independent Judiciary was a part of heritage of Nation's political history, and would not be allowed to go astray or wasted.
CJP sets up precedent by summoning his own son in court: Nawaz
I am sharing my experience with Prime Minister Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev, because I don't want them to go astray by making similar mistakes" Ex-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, who is nearly 80 "There is a fairly widespread assumption in the prevailing culture of Britain that people of faith rely on dogma and bigotry and that no one with a brain can believe in God.
THEY SAID WHAT?
However, best laid plans of piglets and men oft do go astray, and Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig gets a chance to shine!
Neild, Diana (text) Philip Webb (illus.): Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig and the School Concert
I have a great advice: lead a life of values and your children will not go astray. If you don't follow morals then your children will follow your footsteps and be even one step ahead, and there is nothing you can do.
What nonsense!
Proverbs 15,3 LORD, watch over all who are separated from loved ones and home; who are in trouble or exposed to danger; who are tempted to go astray.
pray.
I should be glad to hear from anyone who can explain how a recorded delivery letter can go astray, and why, and just who is responsible?
On the record; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
I go astray in old routines, I dare myself to reconstruct the rules of old invented games--that one of throwing snowballs at the roof, to watch them shrink as they rolled down, spinning to their pits, to see the force that made them briefly a thing so neatly undone.
Eating Them As He Came
AMID all the euphoria over Europe's great success at the Breeders' Cup, the Dikler was sorry to see one plot go astray.
Mitchell's Marathon plot off-key as Beckett triumphs; THE DIKLER The talk of racing
The former Tory leader said unless an inquiry was held now memories would fade and files would go astray.
Conservatives step up pressure for Iraq inquiry; POLITICS
"To go on skates" meant to go astray, for example, and those in jeopardy were said to "stand on cracking ice."
Slip sliding away
It asks Allah: "Show us the straight path, the path of those whom Thou hast favored; not the (path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray."
Imam Leads Democrats in Prayer of Conversion
However, when Mr Boothroyd then started work at her parents' pub she didn't let a second opportunity go astray.
Couple met at bus stop
It helps ensure that should one branch go astray, the other two will check the errant branch.
How healthy is our democracy?
PET owners in Wychavon are being urged to take advantage of a scheme aimed at making sure their dogs don't go astray.
Worcestershire News: Plant a chip in your pooch; DROITWICH