"Zigzag through" is primarily used in informal speech, reflecting dynamic and often spontaneous actions. The phrasal verb typically describes moving through an area or space in a non-linear, erratic path, as if mimicking the angular, back-and-forth movement of a zigzag pattern. It is commonly used in contexts involving navigation through obstacles or crowds, both literally—such as walking through a busy marketplace or maneuvering a vehicle through traffic—and metaphorically, to describe navigating through complex situations or processes. This flexibility in application makes it a versatile expression, although the informal tone confines its usage mostly to conversational and narrative settings rather than formal or technical discourse.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To move through an area or space by making abrupt, angular turns, often to avoid obstacles or for exploration.
The hiker zigzagged through the forest to avoid the dense underbrush.
The car zigzagged through the traffic cones during the driving test.
The skier zigzagged through the flags down the slope.
Tourists often zigzag through the narrow alleys of the old city to take in all the sights.
The rabbit quickly zigzagged through the grass to evade the predator.