astray

Everyday

1. Astray means away from the right path or place, lost. tree →
2. To go astray or be led astray means to do wrong things, often because someone tempted you. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, travellers go astray in the woods and letters go astray in the post. In the Bible and church, the lost sheep «went astray», and people «led astray» start behaving badly. Phrases: «go astray», «lead astray».

Examples

• The letter went astray in the post. tree →
• We went astray in the Wild Wood. tree →
• Toad's friends were afraid he would be led astray. tree →
• The shepherd went to look for the sheep that had gone astray. tree →
• Don't let anyone lead you astray. tree →
• One of my gloves has gone astray. tree →
• Some day they will lead you astray.” tree →

Note

Used after verbs like go and lead, not before a noun.

In Jewish tradition

It means wandering away from the right way, or lost, as a stray animal does; it also means being led into wrong or idol worship.

Interpretation. The law says to bring back a lost animal even if it belongs to an enemy. Tradition reads it as a duty of returning lost property and being kind. "Going astray" after satyrs is a picture of idolatry.

Examples

• Cursed be he that maketh the blind to go astray in the way. (Torah DEU.27.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices unto the satyrs, after whom they go astray. (Torah LEV.17.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. (Torah EXO.23.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shall they not go astray that devise evil? (Writings PRO.14.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thus were they defiled with their works, and went astray in their doings. (Writings PSA.106.39, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let not thy heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. (Writings PRO.7.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Used after verbs like go and lead, not before a noun.