direction

Related to direction: Compass direction, dictionary, Film direction

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.
See also: direction, right, step

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.
See also: different, direction, go

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.
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.
See also: direction, go, right

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.
See also: jog

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.
See also: list

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.
See also: direction, point, right

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.
See also: all, direction, off, ride

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.
See also: all, direction, off, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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?
See also: direction, go, right

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.
See also: direction, list

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.
See also: all, direction, off, ride

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.
See also: all, direction, off, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.

point someone in the right direction

COMMON If you point someone in the right direction, you give them some information to help them achieve something. I hope what I say in this book will point sufferers of the disease in the right direction and will enable others to avoid getting it. We can point you in the right direction to get help.
See also: direction, point, right, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a step in the right direction
  • step in the right direction, a
  • right foot foremost
  • after everything is said and done
  • he who gives fair words feeds you with an empty spoon
  • be the shape of things to come
  • harbinger
  • harbinger of things to come
  • a harbinger of things to come
  • portent
References in periodicals archive
An exit from Expo is also provided through a turn on the flyover across the extension of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street in the direction of the junction.
RTA announces opening of $353mn roads leading to Expo 2020
This collection of a dozen essays organized in five sections looks at early modern stage directions from a variety of angles.
Stage Directions and Shakespearean Theatre
The number of people who believe that the Philippines is in the right direction is five points higher than the June 2018 survey which showed that 70 percent Filipinos believe that the country is in the right direction.
Majority of Filipinos believe PH in 'right direction' - SWS
The cockpit is located towards the +y direction, and the main wings are located along the [+ or -]x direction.
Analysis of RCS of Low Observable Aircraft in VHF Band
By deleting the following from Schedule 3.5 No loading Monday to Friday 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm Ravensworth Avenue South side from a point 55 metres east of its junction with Lime Road for a distance of 30 metres in an easterly direction.
Pubilc Noties
Recently, a group of enzymes was discovered, called Thg1-like proteins (TLPs), which were found to add nucleotides in the opposite direction. Examples of adding nucleotides in this direction are rare.
Uncovering Mystery of DNA Replication
The scope of master direction on merger will cover "an amalgamation of two banking companies and amalgamation of an NBFC with a banking company."
MERGER OF PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS
The north eastern side from its junction with Meresyde in a northerly direction for 55 metres b.
THE BOROUGH COUNCIL [...]; Public Notices
Brunel Way (South Side) From its junction with Intertissue Access Road for a distance of approximately 32 metres in an easterly direction.
Legal Notices
Two-thirds of individuals polled in a new survey say they are "moving in the right direction" in respect to saving money for retirement or achieving other financial objectives.
Northwestern Mutual Poll Notes Progress Among Savers
One Direction's entire back catalogue is, unarguably, a totally perfect body of work.
Why are better than
Changes of direction are required in many field sports, e.g., soccer, handball, and basketball.
The relationship between performance and trunk movement during change of direction
M40 Narrow lanes between J14 Royal Leamington Spa South (junction with A452) and J16 Hockley Heath (junction with A3400) in Northbound direction.
TRAVEL CHECK