blaze

blaze a trail be the first to do something and so set an example for others to follow.

☞ Blaze in this sense comes ultimately from an Old Norse noun meaning 'a white mark on a horse's face'. In its literal sense, blazing a trail refers to the practice of making white marks on trees by chipping off bits of their bark, thereby indicating your route to those who are following you.

like blazes very fast or forcefully. informal

☞ Blazes in this context refers to the flames of hell; go to blazes! is a dated equivalent of go to hell!