1.
to go a bit further; to make a side trip
To extend one's journey to visit a nearby place while one is already out. Literally "to stretch one's legs," but the Japanese meaning focuses on traveling a little further to reach an additional destination.
せっかくだから京都まで足を延ばそう。
Since we're already here, let's go a bit further to Kyoto.
大阪出張のついでに奈良まで足を延ばした。
I made a side trip to Nara while on a business trip to Osaka.
買い物の帰りに、もう少し足を延ばして公園で散歩した。
On the way back from shopping, I went a little further and took a walk in the park.
USAGE:
足を延ばす is used when you are already out somewhere and decide to travel a little further to visit an additional place. It implies the extra destination is relatively nearby and worth the small extra effort. Often used with せっかくだから (since we're already here) or ついでに (while we're at it).
PATTERNS:
- ～まで足を延ばす (to go as far as ~)
- ついでに足を延ばす (to make a side trip while at it)
CAUTION:
Do not confuse with the English idiom "to stretch one's legs" (meaning to go for a short walk to relieve stiffness). The Japanese expression focuses on extending a journey to an additional destination.