道みちを空あける

Meanings

1

expression, ichidan verb

make way; get out of the way; make room

Only when written 道を空ける

Literal physical clearing of a path or space for someone or something to pass. Often used in requests or commands.

すみません、道みちを空あけてください。
Excuse me, please make way.
救きゅう急きゅう車しゃが通とおれるように道みちを空あけた。
We cleared the way so the ambulance could pass.

2

expression, ichidan verb

pave the way; open up opportunities

Only when written 道を開ける

Figurative use: creating conditions for future success or progress. Often used with ために or 〜への道を開ける.

彼かれの研けん究きゅうは新しん治ち療りょう法ほうへの道みちを開あけた。
His research paved the way for a new treatment.
若わかい才さい能のうが活かつ躍やくできる道みちを開あけることが大たい切せつだ。
It is important to open up opportunities for young talent to thrive.

Written forms

道みちを空あける
Standard spelling for the literal 'make way' sense; 空ける implies clearing a space.
道みちを開あける
Used for the figurative 'pave the way' sense; 開ける implies opening up a path or opportunity.
道みちをあける
Kana spelling is acceptable when the kanji distinction is not important.

Kanji

道road-way, street, district
空empty, sky, void
開open, unfold, unseal

Similar words

道みちを譲ゆずる
道を譲る also means 'to give way' but implies yielding or conceding the right of way, often in traffic or polite situations, whereas 道を空ける focuses on physically clearing a space.

Etymology

A set phrase combining 道 (path/way) with the verb あける (to empty/open). The kanji 空ける is used for physical clearing, while 開ける is used for figurative opening. The exact historical origin as a fixed expression is uncertain.