The correct spelling of the phrase "was on trail of" is "was on the trail of," with the schwa sound "ə" in "the" being emphasized. In IPA phonetic transcription, the phrase would be pronounced /wɑz ɒn ðə treɪl əv/. "Was" is pronounced with a short "a" sound /wɑz/, "trail" is pronounced with a long "a" sound /treɪl/, and "of" is pronounced with the schwa sound /əv/. This phrase means to be actively following a lead or pursuing a course of investigation.
The phrase "was on the trail of" refers to the act of actively pursuing or seeking out someone or something, typically in order to unravel a mystery, uncover the truth, or obtain valuable information. The term "trail" here symbolizes a figurative pathway or track that leads to the desired goal or outcome.
When someone is "on the trail of" something, it indicates that they are meticulously following clues, conducting investigations, or engaging in research to make progress towards their objective. This pursuit is often associated with detective work, investigation, or exploration. It implies a determination to uncover hidden facts, find a solution, or attain a specific objective.
The phrase can be applied in various contexts, including criminal investigations, scientific inquiries, historical research, journalistic endeavors, or even personal quests for knowledge. "Was on the trail of" suggests that an individual is actively involved in an ongoing process, actively piecing together information, connecting dots, or accumulating evidence to move closer to their desired outcome.
Overall, "was on the trail of" connotes an individual's dedicated pursuit, investigative mindset, and persistent efforts to follow a path that ultimately leads to the discovery of something important, often involving critical clues or revelations along the way.