DCHP-1 Online
beat the path 
break trail by going in front of a dog team.
See also: break trail
- 1776 (1901) In the van were twenty-five soldiers, who were to beat the path, so the dogs might walk.
- 1858 (1863) . . . as the snow was deep two of us [were] always required to go before the dogs to beat the track.
- 1943 Alexandre, who had the smallest load, beat the trail.
- 1776 (1901) In the van were twenty-five soldiers, who were to beat the path, so the dogs might walk.