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leave a trail behind vs leave a trace

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Leave a trail behind' implies leaving a visible or physical path behind, while 'leave a trace' is more commonly used to indicate leaving a small amount or sign of something behind.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 3074 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate leaving a visible or physical path behind.

"leave a trail behind"

This phrase is used when someone or something leaves a clear path or evidence of their presence behind them.

Examples:

  • The hikers left a trail behind as they made their way through the forest.
  • The criminal left a trail behind that the detectives followed to catch him.
  • The artist left a trail behind of their creative process for others to see.
  • However, in so doing, we naturally leave a data trail behind us.
  • No, and when she does, she usually leaves a trail of bodies behind.
  • Two kids, lost in the forest, leave behind a trail of bread crumbs.
  • These attacks leave behind a trail of suffering, misery, and hurt in their wake.
  • After it explodes, the star goes dark and leaves behind a trail of gas and dust where it once shone bright.
  • If these people, these shepherds, Are trying to keep something so important hidden, Then why leave a trail of clues behind
  • I know you don't want bagged blood, but we can't leave a trail of bodies behind -
  • It doesn't leave any trail behind.
  • While the real murderer gets blood on top of his shoe and leaves little or no trail behind.
  • Leave your trail of blood behind you.
  • All we would see is the trail they leave behind... wind, storm, earthquake.
  • No, I'm not showing you any images, because black holes don't leave behind helpful trails of ink, and space is not painted, showing you the curves.
  • I will leave a trail of famine and devastation behind me.
  • Maybe Lila left a trail behind.
  • I will leave a trail of famine and devastation behind me.
  • They drag themselves through the snow, leaving a trail behind them, which if I may say so, makes them easy to track.
  • It is a journey that will take him across the Greek world and beyond and leave a trail of real evidence that sheds new light on the truth behind the myth.
  • I mean, they feed for pleasure, but not in this case, not if imeans leaving a trail behind.
  • They could not go without leave a trail.
  • But horse might leave a trail.

Alternatives:

  • leave a path behind
  • leave a visible trail
  • leave a clear path
  • leave a physical trail

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate leaving a small amount or sign of something behind.

"leave a trace"

This phrase is used when referring to leaving a small indication or sign of something, rather than a visible path.

Examples:

  • The cat left a trace of its paw prints on the freshly cleaned floor.
  • The suspect left no trace of their presence at the crime scene.
  • The perfume left a trace of its scent in the room.
  • This guy didn't leave a trace.
  • And 10 hours later, wouldn't leave a trace.
  • Radiation can also leave a trace in you.
  • Nothing that could leave a trace, okay?
  • He didn't leave a trace of anything.
  • Two different cases, two sets of professional investigators, and this woman didn't leave a trace.
  • And you'll leave a trace in life.
  • He's being very careful, trying not to leave a trace.
  • Everyone who disappeared, they didn't leave a trace.
  • It wouldn't leave a trace in her lungs because it's traveling through normal plumbing.
  • Because every contact you make, no matter how small, will leave a trace.
  • Or maybe because I am a forensic scientist, and I could boil you from the inside out and never leave a trace.
  • But before that, they make them leave a trace, so we can't forget them.
  • I guess it's just second nature not to leave a trace.
  • All I can confirm is what did leave a trace.
  • I guess it's just second nature not to leave a trace.
  • It's so much neater and it won't leave a trace.
  • Or is it better to leave a trace of them?
  • Even though you didn't leave a trace I'll have to arrest you today
  • Or is it better to leave a trace of them?

Alternatives:

  • leave a mark
  • leave a sign
  • leave an indication
  • leave a hint

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