足(あし)を延(の)ばす

あしをのばす
expression
to go a bit further; to make a side trip
movement
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(きょうと)まで足(あし)を延(の)ばそう。
Since we're already here, let's go a bit further to Kyoto.
大阪(おおさか)出張(しゅっちょう)のついでに奈良(なら)まで足(あし)を延(の)ばした。
I made a side trip to Nara while on a business trip to Osaka.
買(か)い物(もの)の帰(かえ)りに、もう少(すこ)し足(あし)を延(の)ばして公園(こうえん)で散歩(さんぽ)した。
On the way back from shopping, I went a little further and took a walk in the park.

Usage

足(あし)を延(の)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).

Common patterns

  • ～まで足(あし)を延(の)ばす (to go as far as ~)
  • ついでに足(あし)を延(の)ばす (to make a side trip while at it)

Watch out

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.

general
Added 2026.3.11 23:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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