blaze a trail

blaze a trail  {v. phr.}

1. To cut marks in trees in order to guide other people along a path or trail, especially through a wilderness.

Daniel Boone blazed a trail for other hunters to follow in Kentucky.

2. To lead the way; make a discovery; start something new.

Henry Ford blazed a trail in manufacturing automobiles.

The building of rockets blazed a trail to outer space.

See: TRAILBLAZER.