make way for something—
1. move away or be removed so that some other thing is able to stand there:
- In the end, the cinema is pulled down to make way for a parking lot.
2. move aside so as to allow room for smth. such as a vehicle to pass:
- When an ambulance approached, she pulled over to the side of the road to make way for the ambulance.
3. be succeeded or replaced by smth. else:
- The manual typewriter made way for the electric then electronic typewriter which, in turn, made way for word processors.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase give way to something—
1. allow a vehicle, etc. to pass first:
- In most countries (where rules are observed) the usual is to give way to traffic on the driver’s side.
2. = make way for something 3:
- As passenger trains gave way to air and highway travel, train depots became obsolete.
3. agree to smb.’s demands, etc.:
- I entreat you not to give way to his evil suggestions; oppose the adversary while you can.
4. abandon oneself to a feeling of sorrow, anger, etc.:
- She gave way to her grief in a Center Street restaurant where she stopped for breakfast and considerably startled the waiters…
pave the way for something—prepare the way for smth. new to come; make the development of smth. easier:
- Park directors are looking to us to pave the way for similar organizations throughout the country.