on the way

1Also, 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. 2On 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] 3on 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.