on-track
on-track — idiom
1. developing in the planned direction and still likely to reach the wanted result.
developing in the planned direction and still likely to reach the wanted result.
Elise says the bridge project is on-track to open before the rainy season.
be on-track to + verb
After two strong months, Bao's shop looks on-track to repay the bank loan.
look on-track to + verb
The school meal program stayed on-track despite higher food prices this spring.
Diego's recovery remains on-track, so his doctor expects him home next week.
remain on-track after treatment
With extra volunteers, the beach cleanup is back on-track for Saturday morning.
back on-track for + date
- on-track to finish
- stay on-track
- keep on-track
- back on-track
- on-track for launch
- on course
slightly broader; often used for plans or behavior as well as progress toward a target
- on schedule
focuses on timing rather than the wider idea of likely success
- progressing well
plain descriptive wording rather than a set phrase
- off-track
moving away from the intended plan or likely result
- behind schedule
specifically late in timing, though not always failing overall
Grammar Patterns
be on-track to + verb
stay/keep on-track
be back on-track
be on-track for + goal/date
Usage Note
Usually follows be, stay, keep, get, or remain. It often introduces the expected result with to + verb, and it can also name a target date or goal with for. Distinguish it from on schedule, which focuses more narrowly on timing than on overall progress toward success.
Common Mistakes
2. happening on a race track or located there while races are taking place.
happening on a race track or located there while races are taking place.
Rin bought a sandwich from an on-track stall between the afternoon races.
on-track + noun at racecourse
The stewards reviewed the on-track crash before allowing the next heat to start.
on-track + incident in racing
Wei works on-track every weekend, selling programs near the main gate.
work on-track at race venue
After the storm, workers repaired several on-track signs before the first race.
Christopher heard live music from the on-track bar beside the final turn.
on-track facility beside the course
- on-track crash
- on-track stall
- on-track bar
- on-track signs
Grammar Patterns
on-track + noun
work/live/play on-track
on-track + incident/facility
Usage Note
This sense belongs to horse-racing or motor-racing settings and usually describes facilities, staff, accidents, or activity at the racecourse itself. Outside that context, English usually says at the track instead of using on-track in this specialized way.
Common Mistakes
Etymology
Built from the preposition 'on' and the noun 'track'. The literal racing sense refers to something physically on a racecourse. From the image of a train or runner staying on its line and continuing toward the finish, English later developed the figurative sense of a plan or project moving in the right direction toward success.