on the right tack

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.

Example Sentences

Durkan is now on the right tack.

Read more on Seattle Times

To all appearance it was an island in the midst of the dark sea, and quite an hour elapsed ere it was rounded, and the ship could again be kept away on the right tack.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

I believe you've put me on the right tack.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

I believed I was on the right tack, and you immediately point out that I’ve got my values wrong.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Say," said he, "you're on the right tack.

Read more on Project Gutenberg