tour

grand tour

1. An extended tour or sightseeing trip in, through, or across any country or region. Originally used in specific reference to the major cities of Europe, the trip was considered a necessary part of well-bred gentlemen's upbringing. It was later extended to travel in general. I've been saving up all year long for my grand tour through France.

2. By extension, a comprehensive, guided tour, inspection, or survey. This is your first time seeing our new house, right? Let me give you the grand tour! The general insisted on a grand tour of all the sites that are still operational.

See also: grand, tour

what happens on tour stays on tour

Any scandalous activities that happen when one travels in a group are not to be discussed with other people afterward. The phrase alludes to the stereotypical partying of musicians on tour. A: "Guys, please don't tell my wife about all the girls I've been with on the road." B: "Sure, man—what happens on tour stays on tour!"

See also: happen, on, stay, tour, what

tour de force

An exceptionally masterful performance or achievement, especially in the arts. The director's latest movie is a tour de force of filmmaking. The Olympic gymnast's final routine was a tour de force that earned her a gold medal.

See also: DE, force, tour

whistle-stop tour

A brief trip to several locations. My travel agent offered me such a great deal on a whistle-stop tour of Italy that I couldn't resist.

See also: tour

on tour

Travelling to many different locations to give a specific performance. The band announced that they would be going on tour this spring across Europe to promote their latest album. We're taking the play on tour to the west coast for six weeks this fall.

See also: on, tour

go on tour

[for a performing group] to go from place to place, performing. Our play went on tour across the state. If we make the play a success, we will go on tour.

See also: on, tour

grand tour

A comprehensive tour, survey, or inspection. For example, They took me on a grand tour of their new house, or The new chairman will want to make a grand tour of all the branches. Starting in the late 1600s this term was used for a tour of the major European cities, considered essential to a well-bred man's education. In the mid-1800s it was extended to more general use.

See also: grand, tour

a tour de ˈforce

(from French) an extremely skilful performance or achievement: a literary/cinematic tour de force

This is a French phrase that means ‘an act of strength’.

See also: DE, force, tour

a ˌwhistle-stop ˈtour

short visits to different places made, for example, by a politician during an election campaign: The Prime Minister left on a whistle-stop tour of the north of England today. ♢ The new manager’s gone on a whistle-stop tour of all the offices.In the US, a whistle stop is a small town or station that trains only stop at if somebody gives a signal.

See also: tour