a step in the right direction

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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.

step in the right direction, a

A move that advances a course of action, as in Asking Bill to resign is a step in the right direction. This idiom was first recorded in 1871.

See also: right, step

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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References in periodicals archive ?

Though it may seem like a case of too little, too late for Facebook, which has faced a lot of heat in the recent past over a data scandal, we're convinced that the California-based social networking giant is finally taking a step in the right direction.

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President Donald Trump's plan to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, calling it a "positive" message and a step in the right direction. "We welcome the positive message that North Korea and the US sent out on their direct dialogue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press briefing.

China welcomes planned summit between US and N.K

Towards this end, the induction of INS Chakra is a step in the right direction," he added.

INS Chakra would play major role in reshaping maritime operations of Indian Navy: Antony

If the review which took all phone-ins off air earlier this week means that in future viewers will have a clearer idea of what they are getting into, that's a step in the right direction.

Record View: TV quiz return questionable

Although recordkeeping agreements may not provide all of the answers (because the IRS will retain the ability to challenge on substantive grounds whether particular expenses qualify for the research credit), such agreements may be a step in the right direction for taxpayers looking for more assurance on their research credit documentation.

Affect of research credit final regs. on documentation

Condit (D-Ceres) in May 1997 is a step in the right direction, even though it fails to address most existing loopholes used in procuring confidential patient data.

Security and confidentiality of health information systems: implications for physicians. (Surfing the Information Technology Wave)