mainstream path

[/ˈmeɪnˌstrim pæθ/]
nounpl: mainstream paths
caminho convencional
1. The conventional, widely-accepted, or most commonly followed course of action, career trajectory, or social route
She decided to leave the mainstream path and start her own business instead of pursuing a corporate career.
Ela decidiu deixar o caminho convencional e abrir seu próprio negócio em vez de seguir uma carreira corporativa.
2. The standard or traditional way that most people in society follow regarding education, work, or lifestyle choices
Following the mainstream path means attending college, getting a stable job, and buying a house.
Seguir o caminho convencional significa ir à universidade, conseguir um emprego estável e comprar uma casa.
This phrase gained prominence in both American and Brazilian cultures with the rise of entrepreneurship and alternative lifestyles in the 21st century. In the US, it's often discussed in the context of career choices and the 'American Dream.' In Brazil, it's increasingly used to describe choosing between traditional paths (government jobs, corporate positions) and newer alternatives (startups, freelancing, creative pursuits).
NYC Slang
the straight and narrow; the corporate grind; the 9-to-5 route
Synonyms / Sinônimos
conventional pathtraditional routebeaten pathwell-trodden waystandard trajectorynormal course
Antonyms / Antônimos
unconventional pathalternative routenon-traditional wayoffbeat pathuncharted territory

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caminho convencional / caminho principal / trilha convencional
Most commonly used in urban, educated contexts
Rio de Janeiro
caminho padrão
Slightly more informal usage
São Paulo
caminho convencional / trilha tradicional
Used frequently in business and academic discussions
Portugal
caminho convencional / percurso tradicional
Similar usage to Brazil, may use 'percurso' more frequently

Related Words

mainstreamconformityconventionstatus quonormtraditionsocietal expectations

Related Idioms & Phrases

march to the beat of one's own drum (opposite)
follow the crowd
go with the flow
take the road less traveled (opposite)
walk the line
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