noun
Literally the track left by a wheel on a road or path. Figuratively, it can refer to a precedent or the path taken by a predecessor, as in 轍を踏む (to repeat a failure).
ぬかるみに深い轍ができていた。
Deep ruts had formed in the mud.
彼は先人の轍を踏まないように注意した。
He was careful not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.