a step in the right direction
An action or decision that is considered indicative of positive progress. Enrolling in that degree program was a step in the right direction toward changing careers. We're hopeful that seeing a financial planner is a step in the right direction for buying a house next year. Finally getting some strong leadership on this issue sure is a step in the right direction!
go in a different direction
To do something different; to take a different or unexpected approach to something. I know, I really thought we would get funding for this project, but the board just decided to go in a different direction. We wanted to go in a totally different direction with our new product, which irked some of our longtime customers. I know this is a very tedious project for all of you, so I want to go in a different direction this quarter and automate parts of it.
go in the right direction
1. Literally, to move in the correct direction to reach one's destination. Are you sure we're going in the right direction? Let me see the map. Look, there's a sign that says "radiology"—so we are going in the right direction! Don't worry, if you're trying to get to City Hall, you're going in the right direction. It's just up ahead.
2. To proceed in a manner indicative of positive progress. If you want to change careers, I really think you're going in the right direction by enrolling in that degree program. Look, you're not going in the right direction hanging out with these troublemakers! My parents will only think I'm going in the right direction if I work for their company once I'm done school.
jog to (some direction)
To turn or veer sharply in some direction. Be careful driving down the hill, because the road jogs to the left at the bottom and it's very hard to see it coming in the dark. The hurricane that looked like it was going to annihilate the small island thankfully jogged to the north instead.
list to (some direction)
To tilt or veer toward a particular side or direction. The boat began listing to starboard after all the crew and passengers crowded to see the whales on that side of the boat. He let go of the steering wheel and the car listed to the left.
point (one) in the right direction
1. Literally, to show one the correct route, often by actually pointing in the direction of the desired destination. A: "I think I'm close to Suite 200, but I haven't been able to find it. Can you point me in the right direction?" B: "Sure—walk straight that way and it will be on your left."
2. By extension, to give one advice or information that helps guide them toward a desired outcome or course of action. We're hopeful that our financial planning services can help point people in the right direction when they look to buy their first home. I was at a loss as to how to proceed with the project, but thankfully Janet was able to point me in the right direction.
ride off in all directions
To attempt to do many different things or fill many different roles at the same time. From the image of multiple people scattering apart in different directions while riding on horseback. Between being a single mother, a lawyer, a housekeeper, and a prominent figure in the community, it feels like I'm riding off in all directions at times. Instead of just focusing on one thing and doing it very well, the company has been riding off in all directions lately, without being particularly successful in any of them.
run off in all directions
To attempt to do many different things or fill many different roles at the same time. From the image of multiple people scattering apart and running away in different directions. Between being a single mother, a lawyer, a housekeeper, and a prominent figure in the community, it feels like I'm running off in all directions at times. Instead of just focusing on one thing and doing it very well, the company has been running off in all directions lately, without being particularly successful in any of them.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
go in the right direction
1. Lit. to head or travel in the right direction. Are you sure we are going in the right direction? We were supposed to turn back there. We are not going in the right direction.
2. Fig. [for plans or intentions] to be progressing sensibly. Well, everything seems to be going in the right direction—for now anyway. Do you feel that this project is going in the right direction?
list to a direction
to lean to one side or another; to lean toward a specific direction. (Usually of ships or boats.) The ship had listed to one side since being struck by the speedboat. The huge ship listed a tiny bit to starboard.
ride off in all directions
1. Fig. [for people] to scatter, riding something, such as a horse or a bicycle. (See also
run off in all directions.)
The boys hopped on their bikes and rode off in all directions. The sheriff got the posse together and they rode off in all directions, looking for the bank robber. 2. Fig. to behave in a totally confused manner; to try to do everything at once. Bill has a tendency to ride off in all directions. He's not organized enough. Now, calm down. There is no sense in riding off in all directions.
run off in all directions
Fig. [for people] to set out to do something or go somewhere in an aimless and disorganized fashion. (Can also apply to one person. See also ride off in all directions.) The people in the marketing department need some organization. They are always running off in all directions. Stop running off in all directions and focus your energy.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.