The expression "beaten path" refers to a common and well-worn track, typically indicating a well-trodden route or avenue. There are various synonyms that can be used to substitute for the phrase "beaten path", such as mainstream, conventional, traditional, established, and customary. Another alternate word that often has the same technical meaning is "rut", which is used to describe a routine or established way of doing things that may have been going on for a long time but may not be effective anymore. In essence, there are several different ways to express the idea of a common path or route, but the core meaning typically remains the same.