Taking a longer or indirect route to a destination; a detour often caused by roadwork or closures.
急いでいるのに工事で回り道をさせられた。
I was in a hurry but had to take a detour because of construction.
景色がきれいだったので、少し回り道して帰った。
Because the scenery was beautiful, I took a slight detour on the way home.
回り道をすると時間がかかるが、渋滞を避けられることもある。
Taking a detour takes more time, but it can sometimes avoid traffic jams.