Détour (en. Detour)

/detuʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Diversion or indirect path.
We had to take a detour because of the blocked road.
Nous avons dû prendre un détour à cause de la route bloquée.
Route that one follows to escape danger.
The detour through the forest was longer but safer.
Le détour par la forêt était plus long mais plus sûr.
Change of direction.
He took a detour to avoid traffic.
Il a fait un détour pour éviter le trafic.

Etymology

Comes from the French 'dé' (from) and 'tour' (to turn), meaning a path that turns.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to make a detour
To take a different path than the one planned.
faire un détour
to divert attention
To change a person's attention to something else.
détourner l'attention
to sidestep a problem
To change the angle of a problem to discuss it differently.
détourner un problème

Related Words

turn
Circular movement or path taken.
tour
way
Path or road used for traveling.
voie
itinerary
Plan or detailed path for a journey.
itinéraire

Slang Meanings

To take a less traveled road.
We have to take a detour to avoid traffic jams.
On doit faire un détour pour éviter les bouchons.
To successfully avoid a tricky situation.
He took a detour to avoid talking about his failure.
Il a fait un détour pour éviter de parler de son échec.