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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

On the right track

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Using an approach that is leading towards a correct answer or successful result.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Your calculation is not complete, but you are on the right track.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

Your calculation is not complete, but you are ________.
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On the right track — Using an approach that is leading towards a correct answer or successful result.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “On the right track” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Using an approach that is leading towards a correct answer or successful result.

Compare: Your calculation is not complete, but you are on the right track.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it to encourage someone whose work is progressing appropriately, even if it is not finished. It suits study and workplace conversation.

More examples in context

  • The first replies suggest that our revised instructions are on the right track.
  • We knew we were on the right track when the test group understood the new layout.

Usage note

It means the approach is promising, not that success is guaranteed. “Back on track” instead emphasises returning after a problem or interruption.

A short conversation

A: Is this the correct way to organise the answer?
B: You are on the right track. Now add evidence for each point.
A: I will work on that next.

One more practice question

What does a tutor mean by “You are on the right track”?

A. Every part is necessarily finished and perfect already.
B. Your approach is moving towards the desired result.

Check your answer

B. The work is heading in an appropriate direction, though more may be needed.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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