στον αντίθετο δρόμο
Lemma: στον αντίθετο δρόμο
Translation: on the opposite road; in the opposite direction; on the wrong path (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase consists of 'στον' (contraction of 'σε' + 'τον' meaning 'on the'), 'αντίθετο' (meaning 'opposite', from ancient Greek 'ἀντίθετος' - 'anti' meaning 'against' and 'thetos' meaning 'placed'), and 'δρόμο' (meaning 'road', from ancient Greek 'δρόμος' - related to English words like 'dromedary' and 'hippodrome').
Example Usage
Πήγαινε στον αντίθετο δρόμο για να βρεις το φαρμακείο.
Go on the opposite road to find the pharmacy.
Νομίζω ότι κινούμαστε στον αντίθετο δρόμο από αυτόν που θέλουμε.
I think we're moving in the opposite direction from the one we want.
Η ζωή μας πήγε στον αντίθετο δρόμο από αυτόν που είχαμε σχεδιάσει.
Our life went in the opposite direction from what we had planned.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'anti' in 'αντίθετο' as 'anti' in English - against or opposite.
- 'Δρόμο' sounds a bit like 'dromedary' (camel) which travels on roads.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is often used both literally when giving directions and metaphorically when discussing life choices or philosophical positions that go against the norm.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'στον αντίθετο δρόμο' means 'on the opposite road', 'στο μονόδρομο' means 'on the one-way street'.
Notes: The phrase 'στον αντίθετο δρόμο' can be used metaphorically, while 'στο μονόδρομο' is more commonly used literally.
Mnemonic: 'Αντίθετο' contains 'αντί' (anti) suggesting opposition, while 'μονό-' in 'μονόδρομο' suggests 'mono' or 'one'.