beaten path
beaten track
The usual route or way of operating that has been conventionally established.
If we always follow the beaten path, we'll never have the courage to try something new.
cover one's tracks
cover up one's tracks
To hide and not leave anything, especially foot marks, to show where you have been, so that no one can follow you.
The deer covered his tracks by running in a stream.
To hide or not say where you have been or what you have done; not tell why you do something or what you plan to do.
The boys covered their tracks when they went swimming by saying that they were going for a walk.
follow in one's footsteps
follow in one's tracks
To follow someone's example; follow someone exactly.
He followed in his father's footsteps and became a doctor.
in one's tracks
Just where one is at the moment; abruptly; immediately.
The hunter's rifle cracked and the rabbit dropped in his tracks.
Mary stopped dead in her tracks, turned around, and ran back home.
Used in idioms follow in one's footsteps and follow in one's tracks.
My father was an engineer, and I plan to follow in his tracks and study engineering in college.
The vice president was following in the president's footsteps when he called for budget cuts.
inside track
get the inside track
The inside, shortest distance around a curved racetrack; the place that is closest to the inside fence.
A big white horse had the inside track at the start of the race.
An advantage due to special connections or information.
I would probably get that job if I could get the inside track.
jump the track
To go off rails; go or run the wrong way.
The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident.
The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing fell down.
To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different.
Bob didn't finish his algebra homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the new girl in class.
keep track
To know about changes; stay informed or up-to-date; keep a count or record.
What day of the week is it? I can't keep track.
Usually used with of.
Mr. Stevens kept track of his business by telephone when he was in the hospital.
The farmer has so many chickens, he can hardly keep track of them all.
Steve keeps track of all the long-distance telephone calls related to his business that he makes from his house.
With seven small children, how do the Wilsons keep track of all of them?
lose track
To forget about something; not stay informed; fail to keep a count or record. Usually used with of.
What's the score now? I've lost track.
Mary lost track of her friends at camp after summer was over.
John lost track of the money he spent at the circus.