proverb · Source-linked selection
He goes not out of his way that goes to a good inn.
He goes not out of his way that goes to a good inn.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A worthwhile pause can belong to the journey rather than interrupt its purpose. The good-inn image values suitable rest or provision, without recommending a particular destination or claiming every detour is beneficial.
What the words are saying
The saying denies that visiting a good inn takes the traveller out of the way. Figuratively, a pause that supplies rest, information or what the next stage needs can serve the larger undertaking. A useful reading asks how the stop relates to the purpose rather than treating continuous movement as the only sign of progress. Some diversions do delay necessary work, and not every comfortable arrangement is suitable. The proverb therefore values the contribution of a particular pause, not delay for its own sake. It leaves room to judge whether the stop helps the person continue, clarify the route or reconsider the intended destination.
Everyday example
A group pauses its catalogue work to discuss recurring uncertainties, then resumes with an agreed method that saves repeated corrections.
When to use it
Use it when a useful pause is being treated as a departure from the purpose.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
Assess what the pause supplies; comfort alone does not make a detour suitable or necessary.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 859 · Inn
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English
