It was Friday afternoon when Sam barged into Lily’s office and said, “Pack your bags! We’re hitting the road tonight.”

Lily blinked. “Wait, what? You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope. You’ve been working around the clock, and you need a break. Let’s go somewhere — anywhere.”

Lily sighed. “I have so much to do, Sam.”

“Come on,” he grinned, “you only live once. Let’s just play it by ear. No plans, no bookings, just vibes.”

By 6 p.m., they were on the road with snacks, music, and zero expectations. Somewhere along the highway, it started raining, and Sam missed an exit.

“Nice,” Lily smirked. “Now we’re off the beaten path.”

“Exactly how adventures begin,” he winked.

The next two days were full of surprises — random diners, hidden waterfalls, and singing in the rain. Lily couldn’t remember the last time she felt this free.

“I guess sometimes it’s okay to just go with the flow,” she said, sipping coffee from a roadside café.

Sam nodded. “Told you. Some of the best memories happen when you throw caution to the wind.”

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Around the clock

Meaning: All day and night, without stopping.

Examples:

The team worked around the clock to meet the deadline.

She’s been studying around the clock for finals.

2. Play it by ear

Meaning: To decide what to do as things happen, not planning ahead.

Examples:

We don’t have an itinerary — we’ll just play it by ear.

Let’s see how things go and play it by ear.

3. Off the beaten path

Meaning: Unusual or less-known place or route.

Examples:

We explored a village off the beaten path.

I prefer destinations that are off the beaten path.

4. Go with the flow

Meaning: Accept situations as they happen, without trying to control them.

Examples:

She’s easygoing and just goes with the flow.

Sometimes you have to go with the flow in life.

5. Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To take a risk and not worry about the consequences.

Examples:

He threw caution to the wind and quit his job.

They threw caution to the wind and got married in Vegas.