on the way
Idioms-
Also, on one's way . In the process of coming, going, or traveling; also, about to come. For example, The mail plane is on the way , or She is on her way out the door , or Winter is on the way .
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On the route of a journey, as in I met him on the way to town , or We ran into them on the way . [c. a.d. 1000]
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on the way to ; well on the way to . On the point of experiencing or achieving, as in James is on the way to becoming a full professor , or Nancy is well on her way to a nervous breakdown . [Late 1800s] Also see on the way out .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In some instances, the $1,000 would show as pending or on the way, officials noted at the time.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026
New commercial development is on the way that will add more shops and restaurants.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Much, however, can go awry on the way to the NFL’s biggest showcase.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Studies of healthcare workers suggest that even a 20-to-50-minute nap during or after a shift improves focus and reduces drowsy driving on the way home.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
“It’s on the way to somewhere I need to get to.”
From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
