1.
to get on track; to get into full swing; to start running smoothly
Used when a project, business, plan, or activity passes its initial difficulties and begins to operate steadily and successfully.
Literally 'to ride on a track/orbit.' The metaphor compares a smoothly running operation to a train on its tracks or a satellite in orbit. Very commonly used in business and project contexts.
Common collocations
- 事業が軌道に乗る: the business gets on track
- 経営が軌道に乗る: management gets on track
- 計画が軌道に乗る: the plan gets on track
- 生活が軌道に乗る: life settles into a routine
- 軌道に乗せる: to put on track (transitive form)
Usage
The transitive counterpart 軌道に乗せる means 'to put something on track' — i.e., to make a project start running smoothly through one's efforts.