Movement and speed

Changes in speed, movement and direction

• As it left the city, the train gathered/picked up speed and headed north.
• We took a shortcut through a narrow side-street and saved ourselves a 15-minute walk.
• Several roads were closed, so we had to make/take a detour. [a different or indirect route]
• I lost my balance and fell off my bike.
• I lost my footing and fell down the bank into the river.
• I tried to steer the conversation away from my terrible exam results. [change the subject]
• She took a few steps towards the bus, then changed her mind and decided not to go after all.
• I turned my bike upside down and tried to repair it.
• One of the packages I posted went astray and never arrived. [got lost]