Etymology From bee + line, due to the belief that a bee returns to its hive in a straight course, originally an Americanism.
1
A very direct or quick path or trip.
to make / strike a beeline for / to something
The children made a beeline to the swimming pool.
2 more examples
Discussing these and kindred topics they made a beeline across the back of the Customhouse and passed under the Loop Line bridge where a brazier of coke burning in front of a sentrybox or something like one attracted their rather lagging footsteps.1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 16]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, […], →OCLC:
Hershie made a beeline for Thomas's table, not making eye-contact with the others — old-guard activists who still saw him as a tool of the war-machine.1998, Cory Doctorow, Super Man and the Bug Out:
2
Business, MiningHistorical A dynamite fuse made with a small quantity of dynamite powder along its length, so that the spark travels quickly and at a specific known rate.
beeline
verb
Etymology From bee + line, due to the belief that a bee returns to its hive in a straight course, originally an Americanism.
1
To travel in a straight line, ignoring established paths of travel.
A uniformed policeman came off the elevator and beelined for the nurse's station. I beelined into the stairwell. I wasn't in the mood for chatting with the police.2002, Tim Cockey, Hearse of a Different Color, Hachette Books, →ISBN:
Suddenly, a woman beelines to the president, climbs to join him on his platform, there’s no security around to stop her and leans in for a kiss.2009 November 24, Simon Dumenco, “Oriole Kooky”, in The New York Times, →ISSN: