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

See Examples For:

on the right tack

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

"There are some more of your white Crows, Nat," said the Doctor, as they headed straight out after getting on the right tack.

From Citizen Bird Scenes from Bird-Life in Plain English for Beginners by Louis Agassiz Fuertes

"Reckon you are on the right tack at last."

From Richard Dare's Venture by Edward Stratemeyer

He replied angrily, "At all events, I should not make a foul wind out of a fair one by heaving to; and if I did, I would heave to on the right tack."

From Hard Cash by Charles Reade

Thus you see, friend Pathfinder that in order to reason truly, one must get under way, as it might be, on the right tack.

From Pathfinder; or, the inland sea by James Fenimore Cooper