have blank will travel origin

The History of “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” – The Enduring Journey of a Cultural Catchphrase

“Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” is a timeless phrase that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly in the United States. Originating from the mid-19th century, this expression has evolved and adapted through the years, finding its way into various mediums, including literature, film, television, and even modern-day colloquial language. 

The History of “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” – The Enduring Journey of a Cultural Catchphrase 

The phrase “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” is a snowclone, a template that can be used to create new phrases by substituting different words for the variable “X.” The earliest known use of the snowclone was in the title of the 1954 memoir Have Tux, Will Travel by comedian Bob Hope. 

However, the phrase is most commonly associated with the 1957-1963 Western television series Have Gun – Will Travel, which starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a roving troubleshooter who offered his services to those in need.

So, let’s go ahead and delve into the fascinating history of this catchphrase, tracing its origins, charting its evolution, and exploring its cultural impact on American society.

The Origins of “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel”

The phrase “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” has been used in a variety of contexts since its inception. It has been used to describe people who are willing to travel for work, to find love, or to experience new things. It has also been used to describe products or services that are portable or easy to transport.

The phrase “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” has its roots in the world of mercenary soldiers during the mid-19th century. In those times, it was common for job advertisements to be short and to the point due to space constraints in newspapers and other publications. 

The structure of the phrase was simple: “Have Gun, Will Travel” or “Have Horse, Will Travel.” These brief advertisements announced the availability of a service, typically for hire, and indicated the individual’s willingness to travel to fulfill that service. The phrase’s inherent sense of adventure and willingness to take on challenges made it captivating to the readers of the time.

The Evolution of the Catchphrase

“Have Gun, Will Travel” found its way into the realm of popular culture when it was used as the title for a highly successful radio and television series. Debuting on radio in 1958 and transitioning to television in 1957, “Have Gun, Will Travel” became a beloved Western drama that followed the exploits of a sophisticated gun-for-hire named Paladin, played by Richard Boone. The show’s popularity propelled the catchphrase into the mainstream, cementing its place in American history.

Cultural Impact On the United States

The phrase has had a significant cultural impact in the United States. It has been used in movies, television shows, and songs. It has also been used in advertising and marketing campaigns. The phrase has come to represent the American spirit of adventure and self-reliance.

• Iconic character. Paladin’s character in “Have Gun, Will Travel” left an indelible impression on viewers, becoming one of the most iconic figures in television history. His intelligence, moral complexity, and sharpshooting skills resonated with audiences and inspired numerous other characters in future TV shows and movies.
• Influence on future media. The success of “Have Gun, Will Travel” opened the door for a new wave of Western-themed TV shows and movies. This period witnessed the rise of Westerns as a dominant genre in American entertainment. The catchphrase itself became synonymous with the adventurous spirit of the Wild West.
• Incorporation into modern language. Over time, “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” transcended its original Western context and seeped into everyday language. People began using the phrase humorously or metaphorically to indicate their willingness to tackle any challenge or go anywhere for a particular purpose. This linguistic evolution made it an enduring part of American culture.
• Merchandise and pop culture references. The phrase’s popularity spurred various merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and posters, bearing the iconic catchphrase. Additionally, “Have Gun, Will Travel” has been referenced in numerous modern TV shows, movies, and music, further cementing its place in contemporary pop culture. 

But, those certainly aren’t all. Here are some more examples of how the phrase “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” has been used in different contexts in both popular culture and day-to-day life, as well:

• “Have guitar, will travel” – This phrase was used by Bo Diddley, a blues musician who was known for his traveling lifestyle.
• “Have spacesuit, will travel” – This phrase was used in the title of a 1958 science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein.
• “Have love, will travel” – This phrase was used in the title of a 1959 song by Richard Berry.
• “Have laptop, will travel” – This phrase is often used to describe people who work remotely or who travel for business.

“Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” has traversed an extraordinary journey, starting from its humble origins as a job advertisement in the 19th century to becoming an integral part of American pop culture. The phrase’s portrayal in the legendary TV series “Have Gun, Will Travel” and its linguistic evolution has left an undeniable impact on the American psyche. 

Its spirit of adventure, readiness for action, and willingness to face challenges have made it an enduring catchphrase, one that continues to resonate with audiences and shape cultural references in the United States. As long as people seek adventure and new experiences, “Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” will remain a symbol of boundless curiosity and wanderlust.

Ad Blocker Detected!!!

We have detected that you are using an extension to block ads. Please support us by disabling the ad blocker now.

This is the easiest way to find a column on a particular word or phrase.

Comments are OPEN.

We deeply appreciate the erudition and energy of our commenters. Your comments frequently make an invaluable contribution to the story of words and phrases in everyday usage over many years.

Please note that comments are moderated, and will sometimes take a few days to appear.

Have gun, will travel

Have servants, will simper?

Dear Word Detective:  In the first episode of Season 3 of Downton Abbey, Cora says, “I’m one of those resilient Americans … ‘Have Gun Will Travel.'” Since this is set in the 1920s, this seemed about as anachronistic as a reference to Leave It To Beaver. Ye Olde Wikipedia says that the construction, “Have X Will Travel” dates to the early 1900s, as in “Have Tux Will Travel.” But didn’t “Have Gun…” originate with the Western TV show? References in  Eric Partridge & Paul Beale’s “A Dictionary of Catch Phrases” and “Shorter Dictionary of Catch Phrases” by Rosalind Fergusson (page 46) fail to dispel my confusion. — Andrew Martin.

Ah, Downton Abbey, the gift that keeps on giving, at least to language columnists. Are we really in Season 3 now? My, the years just whiz by. But it’s all jolly good fun, even when Mr. Fellowes & Co. deploy the hoariest soap-opera tropes in the book (“I can feel my legs … and other bits!”), as long as one doesn’t take it seriously. As a chronicle of early 20th century life among Britain’s wealthy, I suspect that P.G. Wodehouse’s Bertie Wooster and Jeeves are actually closer to the mark. What this show needs is more newts in the bathtub.

I did actually catch Cora’s “Have gun will travel” proclamation, and I was, like you, jolted by it. Downton Abbey has, over its first two seasons, become mildly famous for its linguistic anachronisms. (The most complete and authoritative collection is lexicographer Ben Zimmer’s entry at Visual Thesaurus: www.visualthesaurus.com/cm/wordroutes/downton-abbey-tracking-the-anachronisms/ ).

But most of the anachronisms in the first two seasons didn’t jump out at you. They were of the “Did they really say that then?” sort (“I’m just sayin’,” “Step on it,” “Get shafted,” “Push comes to shove,” et al.), and though the answer was “no” (“Get shafted,” for instance, apparently first appeared in a 1951 Mickey Spillane novel), the scriptwriters could be forgiven for their lapses. “Have gun, will travel,” however, sounded like a real gong clanger, probably because for many of us it conjures up the 1957 US horse opera of the same name starring Richard Boone. I half-expected Cora to spit on the floor and light a cheroot.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) lists expressions of the form “have A, will B” (“indicating willingness to travel, etc., because one possesses an essential object, etc.”) as dating to around 1954 (“Have Tux, Will Travel” was the title of comedian Bob Hope’s autobiography published that year), but the late etymologist of slang and popular speech Eric Partridge traced the phrase “Have gun, will travel” itself much further back. In his Dictionary of Catch Phrases, he asserts that it first appeared in the “personal ads” section of The (London) Times around 1900, and was a popular catch phrase before 1920 (although he admits that he “didn’t often hear it” prior to World War II). Unfortunately, we have only Mr. Partridge’s recollection to go on here, but while he sometimes was known to propose fanciful origins for words and phrases, I doubt that he would simply invent this story. He might, of course, be dramatically wrong about the time frame of his memory, but it seems likely that the phrase was common before World War II, and possibly around the time of World War I, which puts the gang at Downton Abbey provisionally in the clear.

What seems certain is that the particular form “have gun, will travel” predated the US TV series, and that the general “Have A, will B” form may be much older, as Bob Hope indicates in his book: “Hoofers, comedians and singers used to put ads in Variety. Those ads read: ‘Have tuxedo, will travel.’ This meant they were ready to go any place at any time.” The TV series “Have Gun, Will Travel” apparently did reinvigorate what was already a fading catch phrase by 1957, leading to such variants as “Have talent, will travel” (1960) and “Have towel, will strip” (1961), and the “Have A, will B” trope seems to be alive and well today (“Have passport, will travel under new Cuban law,” news headline, 1/13).

8 comments to Have gun, will travel

In 1958 Robert A. Heinlein published his science fiction juvenile novel ‘Have spacesuit – will travel’.

“Have gun, Will travel,” means “I’m up for anything” or “I’m ready to go.” Let’s do it.

That’s not true.

Paladin is a professional gunslinger who uses a business card. His tagline, “Have Gun, Will Travel” implies that he’s a gunslinger (in a professionally modest way, which works if you have a solid reputation) and that he’ll travel to whatever location you hire him to go for the slinging of his gun (of course, you read “all expenses paid by whoever hires me”).

Using this card gave Paladin panache, differentiating him from thuggish and unrefined thugs-for-hire.

Robin, I don’t think anyone is unclear as to the meaning of this term. I think what is at issue is the origin of the expression and whether it is anachronistic to have Lady Cora use it in 1921.

Robin, Jimmy Mahone is right! The meaning is obvious. Why make stuff up?

As for when the ad began, well…when did hired gunmen begin? Another obvious answer.

Gunmen for hire were needed, since there were no blue lives mattering in the wild wild west.

I get the feeling that this phrase might be isolated to the years when telegraph messages cost the equivalent of six dollars per word to send, and newspapers would often charge up to twenty five dollars per word for an extended ad. Since Paladin made $1000 per job, I imagine he would have had little trouble with “I possess a pistol and I am willing to meet with you at a location of your choosing.”

The form may have been present in the early 20th century, but uses it as a rejoinder to her statement “Don’t worry about me, I’m an American.” The phrase wasn’t typically American until it showed up on Palladin’s business cards. So there is no reason for Cora to use it in that context.

The term means, I have a gun for hire and will come or go where I am needed.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

   Name

   Email

   Website

You can use these HTML tags

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Follow us on Twitter!

Makes a great gift! Click cover for more.

400+ pages of science questions answered and explained for kids -- and adults!

FROM ALTOIDS TO ZIMA, by Evan Morris

19 queries. 0.428 seconds.

Switch to our mobile site

Have (something), will travel In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "have (something), will travel", english idiom dictionary ( also found in vietnamese ).

Meaning of Have (something), will travel

Have (something), will travel phrase informal

Said when someone has the skill or competence in something and could use it anywhere

If you have an Ielts score of 6.5 or higher, you can study abroad wherever you want. Have the certificate, will travel!

My mom always said that having a bachelor's degree is important when looking for a job. Have a degree, will travel.

To work in a multinational company, I have to invest a great amount of time and effort in learning English. Have English skills, will travel.

Other phrases about:

If something or someone weaves their magic, they use their unique talents or charm to produce a good effect or a desired outcome.

Having an ability to do something very well, especially when others can't

To lose the skill or advantage one used to have in the past

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Help us update and complete more idioms

Used to say someone is alone 

I don't know anyone in the party, so the cheese stands alone.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Subscribe Now

What is the kind of error?

Any comments or suggestions?

Understanding the Difference Between Will Travel and Will Be Travelling

Zackary Hooper

Ever puzzled over the slight but significant difference between “will travel” and “will be travelling”? You’re not alone! As a fellow travel enthusiast, I’ve also stumbled upon this linguistic conundrum .

Table of Contents

In fact, during my research as a travel writer for ‘Have Blog Will Travel’, I found these two English language constructs intriguing yet often misunderstood. This article is designed to demystify these terms by highlighting their specific meanings , key differences , and appropriate usage .

Ready? Let’s dive right in and help smooth out your future travel conversations !

Key Takeaways

• “Will Travel” refers to a future action that will happen after a specific time, while “Will Be Travelling” indicates ongoing or continuous movement .
• “Will Travel” is used when referring to a specific point in time , while “Will Be Travelling” implies an ongoing or continuous period of movement .
• “Will Travel” implies a planned trip , while “Will Be Travelling” suggests ongoing movement and exploration .

Explanation of “Will Travel”

“Will Travel” refers to a future action after a specific time, such as “I will travel to New York next week.”

Refers to a future action that will happen after a specific time

“Will travel” is a term often used in written English that precisely outlines an intention to go on a journey after a specific point in time . We deploy these words when we’ve settled on our plans , such as embarking on a trip or vacation after crucial events like entrance exams or at the completion of certain jobs.

Moreover, the phrase “will travel” doesn’t just pinpoint our future actions; it also signifies the start of an exciting expedition . For instance, I have decided to explore French landscapes by keeping my gap year aside for this purpose.

In this case, saying “I will travel to France next year,” demonstrates my resolve and scheduled plan for taking that voyage once my dedicated time arrives .

Indicates a planned or scheduled trip

When we say “will travel,” it means that we have a specific trip planned or scheduled for the future. It could be a vacation, a business trip, or any other journey that has been arranged in advance.

This phrase indicates our intention to go somewhere at a particular point in time. For example, I will travel to New York next week for a conference. The important thing is that there is an organized plan in place and we are committed to making the trip happen.

It’s worth noting that “will travel” does not imply continuous movement or ongoing journey like “will be travelling.” Instead, it highlights a single event or period of time when we will be away from our current location.

Whether it’s just for a few days or several weeks, this phrase emphasizes the fact that we have made concrete plans and set aside the necessary time to embark on our intended adventure.

Explanation of “Will Be Travelling”

“Will be travelling” refers to a future action that will be in progress at a specific time, indicating ongoing or continuous movement or journey.

Refers to a future action that will be in progress at a specific time

When we say that an action “ will be in progress at a specific time ,” we are talking about something that will happen in the future and continue for a period of time. This could be ongoing movement or a journey that will take place at a particular moment.

It implies that the action will not be completed instantly, but rather it will be happening continuously during the stated timeframe. For example, someone might say, “I will be traveling around Europe for three months.” In this case, the person is indicating their intention to embark on a journey and spend an extended period of time exploring different places within Europe .

The use of “will be traveling” emphasizes the ongoing nature of their movement throughout those three months.

Indicates ongoing or continuous movement or journey

I love the feeling of being on the move, experiencing new places and adventures. When it comes to future travel plans, there’s a distinction between saying “I will travel” and “I will be travelling.” The phrase “will be travelling” indicates ongoing or continuous movement or journey .

It implies that I’ll be in motion for an extended period rather than at a specific point in time. For example, if I say, “I will be travelling around Europe for three months.” it means I’ll be exploring different countries and cities over those three months without a fixed schedule .

This is perfect for those who want flexibility and spontaneity in their travels, allowing them to indulge in the joy of continuous exploration.

Differences between “Will Travel” and “Will Be Travelling”

“Will Travel” is used when referring to a specific point in time, while “Will Be Travelling” indicates an ongoing or continuous period of movement.

“Will Travel” is for a specific point in time, while “Will Be Travelling” is for a continuous period

I love planning trips and exploring new places, so understanding the difference between “Will Travel” and “Will Be Travelling” is important to me. When I say “Will Travel,” it means that I have a specific point in time in mind for my trip.

It could be next week, next month, or even next year. On the other hand, when I say “Will Be Travelling,” it suggests that my journey will be continuous over a period of time. Whether it’s a couple of weeks or several months, I’ll be on the move exploring different destinations and experiencing new adventures .

Both phrases convey excitement and anticipation for future travel experiences , just with different durations in mind.

“Will Travel” implies a planned trip, while “Will Be Travelling” implies ongoing movement

When we say “Will Travel,” it suggests that there is a specific trip or journey planned in the future . This means that there is a set date or time when the travel will take place. On the other hand, when we use the phrase “Will Be Travelling,” it indicates ongoing movement or continuous journeying .

It implies that there will be no fixed endpoint , and the movement will continue for an extended period of time . So while “Will Travel” refers to a scheduled trip, “Will Be Travelling” implies ongoing movement and exploration .

Examples and Usage

– “I will travel to New York next week.”

– “I will be travelling around Europe for three months.”

“I will travel to New York next week.”

Next week, I’ll be embarking on a journey to New York City . This trip has been planned and scheduled for some time now, and I can’t wait to explore the bustling streets, iconic landmarks , and vibrant culture of the Big Apple.

It will be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences , delicious food, and unforgettable memories. From strolling through Central Park to visiting Times Square at night, there’s so much to see and do in this incredible city.

I’m eagerly counting down the days until my departure as I prepare for an amazing travel experience in New York City next week.

“I will be travelling around Europe for three months.”

I have exciting plans to travel around Europe for three months! During this time, I will be exploring different countries, immersing myself in new cultures, and experiencing all that Europe has to offer.

From the historic streets of Rome to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, I can’t wait to embark on this incredible journey. Whether it’s tasting delicious cuisines, visiting famous landmarks, or simply wandering through charming cobblestone streets, my European adventure promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion on Will Travel and Will Be Travelling

Understanding the difference between “Will Travel” and “Will Be Travelling” is essential for clear communication in future tense . By recognizing that “Will Travel” refers to a specific point in time, while “Will Be Travelling” implies ongoing movement , we can effectively convey our plans and intentions.

Use these distinctions to express your upcoming adventures with accuracy and precision. Happy travels!

FAQs on Will Travel and Will Be Travelling

1. what is the difference between “will travel” and “will be travelling”.

The main difference is that “will travel” refers to a future action that will happen at a specific time, while “will be travelling” indicates an ongoing or continuous action in the future.

2. When should I use “will travel”?

You should use “will travel” when talking about a planned trip or journey that will take place at a specific time in the future.

3. When should I use “will be travelling”?

You should use “will be travelling” when referring to an upcoming trip or journey that will continue for some time, often indicating movement from one place to another.

4. Can these phrases be used interchangeably?

No, these phrases cannot be used interchangeably as they convey different meanings related to the timing and duration of the travel action.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest posts

30 Creative Ways to Wish Someone a Safe and Enjoyable Journey

Do you ever find it difficult to articulate your well-wishes for someone embarking on a journey? If so, don’t fret – we’ve all felt tongue-tied at some point. A fact that might comfort you is that saying ‘Safe travels!’ can sometimes feel redundant! After scouring books, songs and even international phrases used across the globe,…

Discover the Many Synonyms for Someone Who Travels

Are you tired of using the same old word to describe your love for travel? Trust me, I’ve been there too! In fact, English language has an array of intriguing words for someone who loves hitting the road. From “globetrotter” and “vagabond” to unusual terms like “hodophile,” this blog post covers various synonyms that are…

How to Travel Smarter: 61 Budget-Friendly Tips for an Amazing Journey

Are you eager to satisfy your wanderlust but worried about the dent it might make in your wallet? You’re not alone, as I’ve also been faced with this dilemma. After meticulously researching and personally testing various strategies, I’ve collected 61 budget-friendly tips guaranteed to transform the way you explore the world without breaking bank. Get…

• About the snowclones database

have X will travel

1954 was the earliest attestation I could find, but it probably goes back further. The expression was popularized first by Bob Hope’s 1954 biography Have Tux, Will Travel and then by 1950s TV (and radio) show “ Have Gun–Will Travel .” The title of Robert Heinlein’s 1958 Have Spacesuit, Will Travel was taken from the show.

Variations of X: music (seen on a shopfront in my hometown), laptop, children, fingers. I think singular nouns are more common than plural nouns in the X slot.

Thanks to commentator mollymooly for the earlier reference.

Share this:

6 responses to “ have x will travel ”.

From http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=have

Phrase have (noun), will (verb) is from 1954, originally from comedian Bob Hope, in the form Have tux, will travel; Hope described it as typical of vaudevillians’ ads in “Variety,” indicating a willingness to perform anywhere, any time.

Personally I’ve heard “Have X, will Y” a few times, but not with Y being travel.

I’m familiar with this phrase from the 1959 song ‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Love%2C_Will_Travel

My first encounter with this was the Heinlein novel, so it took a while for me to actually understand the “will travel” part as “will[ing to] travel” instead of “[it] will [enable me to] travel.”

For some reason I also think of this as a Victorian newspaper advertisement sort of phrase, but that might just be due to the TV series.

I know this term as ‘have suitcase, will travel’. I assumed it was maybe a depression era plea for work (‘will work for food’, if you will).

Pingback: "Have X, will travel" - what kind of grammar is this ~ English Language & Usage ~ AnswertoWorld.com

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Recent entries.

• X considered harmful
• Love in the time of X
• A site for “CountryX is the CountryY of Z”
• misquotations
• verbal “heart” added to the OED
• I [shape] X roundup
• it’s X all the way down
• narrow vs. broad snowclones
• all your X are belong to us
• consider the X
• Buch von der deutschen Snowclonerey
• Erin O’Connor
• Language Hat
• Language Log
• Poor Man’s Version
• separated by a common language
• snowclone.pl
• Tenser, said the Tensor
• the Eggcorn Database
• The Rosa Parks of Blogs
• Wikipedia’s Snowclone entry
• Yet Another List of Confirmed and Tentative Snowclones

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Appendix : Snowclones/have X, will travel

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.3 Statistics
• 1.4 External links

Early 1900s. Popularized by a 1950s radio and TV show Have Gun—Will Travel , in which the main character, Paladin, carried a business card with the phrase "HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL".

have X, will travel

• ( snowclone ) Indicates that the speaker is ready for everything, provided they have X (which can be something obviously available). Have Gavel, Will Travel (From a trading card from Disney's Toontown Online featuring the Big Wig)
• Frequency : Very frequent (upward of 10 million Google results )
• Most common uses : First two pages of Google results show for X: cake , baby , spacesuit , laptop , fork , guitar , phaser , saddle , sword , children , justice , trunk , and kids .

External links

• Discussion of this phrase at Snowclones.org
• Discussion of this phrase at Language Log

• English lemmas
• English phrases
• English multiword terms
• English snowclones

Navigation menu

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of have something, will travel in English

Have something , will travel.

• around Robin Hood's barn idiom
• communication
• gad about/around (somewhere)
• super-commuting
• transoceanic
• well travelled

Translations of have something, will travel

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

sink or swim

If you are left to sink or swim, you are given no help so that you succeed or fail completely by your own efforts.

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• English    Idiom
• Translations
• All translations

To add have something, will travel to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add have something, will travel to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

I will travel, I’m traveling, or I will be traveling?

Take your grammar to the next level!

Our question of the day is about the future in English: should we say:

• I will be traveling next month.
• I am traveling next month.
• I will travel next month.

The two best options are “I will be traveling next month” and “I am traveling next month.”

We could also say “I’m going to travel next month.” Three correct ways for talking about future plans.

Why DON’T we say “I will travel next month”?

We tend not to use will + verb for established plans. We use this structure more for promises, offers, and decisions made at the moment of speaking:

• “I’ll give you a ride.” (that’s an offer)
• “I’ll have a large coffee.” (that’s a decision made in the moment)

So, what are you doing tomorrow? I’ll be making more videos!

Go ahead and write your own examples using one of these 3 future forms.

Learn more: Present continuous for future plans

More Espresso English Lessons:

About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

These migrants arrive with complex asylum claims and, because of bureaucratic and diplomatic obstacles, are among the most difficult to deport when they don’t qualify for protection. Many are released into the United States with a pending court date that may be years away .

Some migrants say they could be killed if sent home. Many risked their lives crossing oceans or jungles to reach the border in search of a better life. The legal basis for an asylum claim is a flight from persecution, not a yearning for American prosperity.

Immigration judges are churning out decisions at a record clip. Still, decisions about sensitive cases involving violence and persecution tend to take years. That means many of the new immigrants are living in a state of long-term limbo, even as they become more enmeshed in the fabric of American life.

Economists say the migrants have helped America’s post-covid economy to be one of the strongest in the world. But the United States remains tangled in a bitter debate over the costs and benefits of these new arrivals, which has been amplified by this year’s presidential campaign .

Biden tightened border restrictions to curb asylum claims after former president and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump rallied Republicans to defeat a bipartisan bill that would have expanded immigration enforcement . Trump blames Biden for inviting mass migration, and he is pledging to close the border and deploy U.S. troops to carry out deportations if he’s elected in November.

Where people have settled

Unlike the immigrants of the late 1800s and early 1900s who arrived at Ellis Island on transatlantic steam ships, the journey today often unfolds in two phases. One is the physical challenge of reaching U.S. territory. A second, longer odyssey follows in the U.S. immigration court system, which must sort out who is allowed to stay.

The Post’s analysis of U.S. immigration court data shows that about 3 million migrants who have arrived since 2014 have active cases. More than three in five have entered the United States since 2021, the year Biden took office.

Their legal status in America remains unresolved, but they are already building lives: many are taking low-wage jobs, sending children to school and relocating to communities across the United States that have not been traditional immigrant destinations.

Migrant arrivals since 2014, according to court data

Court filings show the newest immigrants are settling across rural and urban America. They and other arrivals have pushed the share of the U.S. population that is foreign-born to nearly 14 percent, the highest in more than a century. New immigrant hubs have formed around jobs in meatpacking , agriculture and petroleum.

Some of the biggest growth areas are in Florida and Texas, where the immigrant population continues to expand thanks to plentiful jobs and cheaper housing — and despite immigration crackdowns by Republican Govs. Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott .

The growth is uneven. West Virginia , Wyoming and North Dakota — states with severe labor shortages — attracted hardly any of the newcomers, while New York, Chicago and Denver have received thousands as Abbott has bused more from the border to those cities. California, a traditional destination, is also home to large numbers of new arrivals.

Immigrant hubs by nationality

Migrants have long chosen to settle with family and friends in the United States. Some arrive with a relative’s phone number scrawled on their hands. Many newer arrivals have few contacts, however, and end up in city shelters.

Largest nationality in immigration

court records, by county

Country of origin (2014-2024)

El Salvador

Minneapolis

Salt Lake City

Largest nationality in immigration court records, by county

Country of origin

(2014-2024)

Guatemalans and Hondurans have been crossing the U.S. southern border for many years, fleeing violence, drought and hunger. Like the Mexican immigrants facing deportation, they are widely distributed across urban and rural areas, with fast-growing communities in western and southern U.S. states.

Migrants in immigration court

by country of origin since 2014

536k people

Los Angeles

EL SALVADOR

Venezuelans became a top group entering the United States for the first time under the Biden administration, a surge that has demonstrated how rapidly migration can change. New enclaves of Venezuelan migrants have formed in places such as Salt Lake City, Denver and Dallas. If Maduro extends his rule during next month’s election, he could trigger another mass exodus.

Migration from El Salvador has fallen in recent years under President Nayib Bukele , who has generated both accolades and criticism for an iron-fisted anti-gang campaign. El Salvador has gone from one of Latin America’s most dangerous countries to one of its safest, and far fewer Salvadorans are leaving.

181k people since 2014

125k people

Cuban migration to the United States has been at record levels due to the country’s tanking economy and long-standing U.S. penalties that tightened under Trump. Cubans enjoy special privileges under U.S. law, and roughly five percent of the island’s population has crossed into the United States since 2021. Louisville, Las Vegas and Houston are new destinations for Cubans, court filings show.

Turmoil in Haiti has sent more people fleeing — and made U.S. deportations to Haiti more controversial. Many of the Haitians who have surged to the United States have arrived from Chile or other South American nations where they found refuge after Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. They risk deportation to a place they left years ago. Haitian communities in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Florida have expanded in recent years, the data show.

Immigration court cases have jumped for other Latin American nations, including Colombians, Brazilians, Peruvians and Ecuadorians , the latter fleeing new waves of drug-fueled gang violence . Those groups are concentrating in New York, Florida and the Midwest.

During the past two years, U.S. border authorities have apprehended more migrants from Africa and Asia than ever before. Guided by smuggling organizations, these groups often arrive to South America then head north to follow the dangerous Darién Gap jungle route between Colombia and Panama, eventually reaching the U.S.-Mexico border.

About 50,000 Chinese migrants have crossed into the United States along the Mexico border since 2023. Court data show many of the most recent migrants are settling in Queens or Los Angeles’s Monterey Park area. Migrants from India are streaming to California. Russians, many of whom say they’re fleeing the war on Ukraine and forced conscription, are going to New York, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

About this story

The Washington Post used immigration court case data through May 2024 released by the Justice Department. Reporters limited their analysis to cases with entry dates since the start of 2014, omitting all cases missing entry dates. Although migrants may have multiple cases of entry over the decade, each person is only counted once. And although the overall analysis figures include detainees currently in government custody, the maps of where migrants have settled do not.

The data does not specify how every migrant entered the United States, but an analysis of charges and reporting on the topic revealed that most migrants entered through the southern border of the United States.

The Justice Department agency that runs the immigration courts, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, started releasing the data monthly to the public after receiving requests from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which publishes the information.

Kevin Schaul contributed to this report. Graphics editing by Kevin Uhrmacher. Data editing by Meghan Hoyer. Design by Stephanie Hays. Design editing by Madison Walls. Editing by Efrain Hernandez Jr., Debbi Wilgoren and Kainaz Amaria. Copy editing by Jeremy Hester.

..., will travel

Posted by ESC on November 11, 2009 at 21:15

In Reply to: ..., will travel posted by ESC on November 11, 2009 at 20:52:

: : : I am interested in the phrase of "have _____, will travel". what is the origin and what does it mean? Thanks

: : : : This sounds very American. I can't remember a good example, but advertising that you "Have ......, will travel," was part of an effort to find employment, especially during the Great Depression in the U.S. I think the blank was filled in with some sort of tools of a trade, although "car" is a possibility. Like many stock phrases (see below) it stuck in the public mind and was sometimes repeated for humorous effect. : : SS

: It was the name of a radio and a television show, "Have Gun, Will Travel."

: Everybody sing:

: Have Gun, Will Travel reads the card of a man. : A knight without armor in a savage land. : His fast gun for hire head's the calling wind. : A soldier of fotune is the man called Paladin.

: Paladin, Paladin : Where do you roam? : Paladin, Paladin, : Far, far from home.

: Title: "Have Gun Will Travel" : Written By: Johnny Western, Richard Boone & Sam Rolfe : Performed By: Johnny Western

The TV series was 1957-64. "A far cry from the stereotypical hired gun, Paladin is a cultured Renaissance man.His business card reads, "Have Gun, Will Travel - Wire Paladin, San Francisco,' charging a flat fee of $1,000 for his services, a small fortune in the late 1800s. He wears black but is the good guy, typically helping the oppressed and the wronged. Series co-writer Gene Roddenberry went on to achieve fame with Star Trek." The article goes on to list examples of use of the phrase including a name given by Handgun Control Inc. (later renamed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence) to a proposed 1998 measure that would permit licensed gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state-lines. "Oxford Dictionary of Catchphrases" compiled by Anna Farkas (Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, 2002), Page 117-118.

• ..., will travel ESC 12/November/09