Definition
the long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route
all over the place
Origins
Reference to Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw, whose barn was simply the fields and pastures surrounding Sherwood forest, his home. “Around Robin Hood’s barn” simply means all around the countryside, all through the fields and pastures.
See Also
- all over hell's half acre
- all the way to Egery and back
- the long way around the barn