What does "pave the way" mean?

To make future progress or development easier.

What is a synonym for "pave the way"?

Common synonyms include: aid, blaze the trail, break the ice, clear the way, cultivate the soil, ease.

Pronounced //ˈpeɪv ðə ˈweɪ//.

/ˈpeɪv ðə ˈweɪ/ verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To make future progress or development easier. idiomatic
"Germany's development of rocket weapons paved the way for human controlled spaceflight."

"Germany's development of rocket weapons paved the way for human controlled spaceflight."

From the idea that once a paved path has been laid, travel on the route is easier and smoother for others.