sawdust trail

noun

1

: the path of conversion to a gospel or belief

when a notorious grizzled old sinner hits the sawdust trail, the hallelujahs shake the tabernacle

—Beverly Smith

drew the students back down the sawdust trail to the old-time Congregationalism

—American Guide Series: Connecticut

2

: the circuit of revival meetings

five of the biggest attractions on the sawdust trail

—Furman Bisher

Word History

Etymology

so called from the practice of going down a sawdust-covered aisle to the altar in a revival tent meeting as a sign of repentance or conversion

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