on the right tack

Idioms  

1. Also, on the right track. Proceeding satisfactorily; also, following the correct line of reasoning. For example, He thinks the housing market is improving, and he's on the right tack there, or That's not exactly so, but you're on the right track. The first term alludes to the direction of a sailboat, the second to the direction of a path. The same is true of the antonyms, on the wrong tack and on the wrong track, indicating an erroneous assumption or course of action. For example, He's on the wrong tack for finding a solution, or The researchers were on the wrong track altogether when they assumed the virus was transmitted by mosquitoes. The expressions using tack date from about 1900; those using track date from about 1880.

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Example Sentences

Like two other famed headmasters of New England prep schools, Peabody of Groton and Coit of St. Paul's, Diman thought the English public schools were on the right tack in stressing classics, character and Christianity.

From Time Magazine Archive

And to tell you the truth, I don't think we're altogether on the right tack about them shops.

From Castle Richmond by Trollope, Anthony

It sent the ship reeling round, but luckily on the right tack to avoid further complications.

From The Voyages of Captain Scott : Retold from the Voyage of the Discovery and Scott's Last Expedition by Turley, Charles

There is plenty of fun going on in the ship, and you will enjoy yourself as soon as you get on the right tack.

From Up The Baltic Young America in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark by Optic, Oliver

She thought she was on the right tack in letting him—as she had done only with fear and irresolution—have again the control of his income.

From The Good Soldier by Ford, Ford Madox