pave the cowpath en · VERB
Etymology
Reflecting the theme that some paved roads of the 20th and 21st centuries were developed over existing rights of way such as earlier cowpaths and footpaths; see also Wikipedia at desire path.
Meanings
- (figuratively) To formalize an existing de-facto practice.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| paves the cowpath | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| paving the cowpath | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| paved the cowpath | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| paved the cowpath | Tense=Past | lexicographic |