What is meaning of "the right-of-way?

[Rojkumari]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #129 "Real Life: Transportation (2)", question 9

In the United States and in Canada, pedestrians always have the right-of-way. This means that if a pedestrian is crossing the road, a car must ......... to that person and let him or her pass before the driver is allowed to resume driving.

(a) give
(b) yield
(c) submit
(d) sell

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #129 "Real Life: Transportation (2)", answer 9

In the United States and in Canada, pedestrians always have the right-of-way. This means that if a pedestrian is crossing the road, a car must yield to that person and let him or her pass before the driver is allowed to resume driving.

Correct answer: (b) yield

Your answer was: correct
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What is meaning of "the right-of-way?
Can this word be used in sentences other than transportation?
Thanks.

[Alan]

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Hi,

As far as I know 'right-of-way' is used mainly in the sense of a vehicle having priority to proceed/go forward. You could also use it to suggest that a pedestrian can walk along/across a certain path.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a policeman