Be on the way to appearing proper (8)

I believe the answer is:

becoming

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'proper' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'be on the way' is the wordplay.
'on the way' becomes 'coming' (synonyms).
'be'+'coming'='BECOMING'

'to appearing' is the link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for becoming that I've seen before include "Suitable; fitting" , "Getting" , "Turning into - lovely" , "Developing into" , "attractive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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