Learn English – What’s the difference between “way” and “road”

synonyms

I saw this sentence:

I couldn't help but hear. You've been on the road, so to speak.

Why didn't he use way? What is the difference between on the way and on the road?

Best Answer

Both other comments are quite literal about traveling, but here are two metaphors, too:

On the way is when you're actively progressing. You've got a goal in mind and are traveling towards it.

On the road doesn't really mean progress, but discovery. As an analogy "on the road" implies meandering, getting around, and experiencing things. It's a relatively long duration with no particular goal.