1
general::
Phrase(s): *the right-of-way
the legal right to occupy a particular space on a public roadway. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~; yield ~.) • I had a traffic accident yesterday, but it wasn’t my fault. I had the right-of-way. • Don’t pull out onto a highway if you haven’t yielded the right-of-way.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. The right of one person or vehicle to travel over another's property, as in The new owner doesn't like it, but hikers have had the right of way through these woods for decades. [Mid-1700s] 2. The right to precede another person or vehicle, as in Sailboats always have the right of way over motorboats, and swimmers do over any kind of boat. [Early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms