So this morning I was texting my cousin about her birthday package delivery. You know how it is these days – tracking numbers and all. She goes “Oh it’s on its way!” and honestly? I kinda paused. Like what does that actually mean? Near my house? Left the warehouse? Didn’t feel clear.
My Confusion Started Right Here
Got curious. Grabbed my laptop first thing after coffee. Typed “on its way meaning” straight into the search bar. Saw loads of dictionary answers saying “in the process of moving from one place to another.” Felt a bit too simple and vague, y’know? Like, technically right but not useful enough for everyday use. Didn’t hit the spot.
Then I Dug Deeper
Started thinking about how we actually use this phrase in real life. Wrote down scenarios where people say it:
- Ordered pizza? Pizza guy says “It’s on its way!” when he’s left the shop.
- Friend driving to you? “I’m on my way!” usually means they’ve left home already.
- Online order status? “On its way” means it left the seller but ain’t at your door yet.
Noticed the pattern: Movement has started, but destination ain’t reached. Big difference from something stuck waiting!
My Test Drive with the Phrase
After lunch, I literally tested it out. Texts flew everywhere:
- Told my sister “Dude, your gift is totally on its way!” right after dropping it at the post office counter.
- My plumber replied “Technician’s on his way!” after I called about a leaky faucet – heard his van start up in the background.
- Even yelled to my wife “Coffee’s on its way!” walking back from the kitchen carrying two mugs.
It clicked while lugging those coffees: if something’s “on its way,” it’s physically moving towards the finish line. It’s between start and end point. Not preparing, not planning – actually rolling. Like when your Uber notification says “Your driver is on the way.” They’re driving NOW.
Why Simple Words Matter
Ended up writing this down later while watching TV. Kept seeing “on their way” pop up everywhere – even TV reporters saying a storm is “on its way.” Had that aha moment. Like that hospital story in the example? Life makes us learn stuff randomly. Mine happened with texts and coffee cups today. No jargon needed. Moving things. Started traveling. Not arrived yet. Boom.
