You can tell when you’re on the right track. It’s when you go uphill.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

An uphill route is called the right track. The saying treats demanding progress as a possible sign of a worthwhile direction.

What the words are saying

The route image is encouragement rather than a reliable test of whether an aim is sound. Difficulty can also indicate an unsuitable approach or a barrier needing help. A useful application assesses the aim and evidence rather than assuming every struggle is beneficial or every easy step is wrong.

Everyday example

Someone checks whether a difficult course still serves their purpose instead of treating difficulty alone as proof.

When to use it

Use it as qualified encouragement with the direction actually assessed.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.