Meaning of “take the way”

Question

Does the expression take the way signify that you take a particular route with a specific destination? The sentence I came up with is

He took the way to the stadium.

Is that correct?

Why "way"? Generally, you wouldn't use 'way' to describe where someone went.
I agree. It seems like it's translated from another language, I was just wondering if it's a valid expression in English. And I meant I came across this expression, not 'came up with'
It's probably never correct. I might almost be okay with it in a sentence like "After deliberating at the crossroads for some time, he took the way to the stadium". But I don't like it. People do say He went the way of xxxxx, but this is invariably figuration (a common one being where xxxxxx=all flesh, meaning He died). I think OP's usage may have been more acceptable historically, but not today.
@Barrie: But that would rarely be used to imply that the right way was to go somewhere completely different. It would normally mean he was going to the stadium anyway, but didn't take the best route to get there.

GEdgar · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-23 17:05:28Z

up vote 3 down vote accepted

OED has

29. a. take the way n. ... To enter on and follow the route leading to a specified place.

I live in the US, and find this usage not out of the ordinary. I certainly do not agree that it is "never correct" as some of the UK commenters do.

answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:05

GEdgar
4,0392515

+1: it feels fine to me. – ladenedge Oct 24 '11 at 21:56

Colin Fine · Answer 2 · 2011-10-24 15:08:30Z

I find "take the adjective way" normal - the easy way, the wrong way, the quick way, the pretty way - but not "take the way".

On the other hand, "make one's way" is common, but has a connotation of it being more than just a journey: an effort, or a great endeavour.

Hugo · Answer 3 · 2011-10-29 13:04:01Z

up vote 0 down vote

Seems to work:

but could be considered out of date.

edited Oct 29 '11 at 13:04

Hugo
30.8k455107

answered Oct 23 '11 at 16:38

mplungjan
8,6731529

3 Answers