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on, be
1be on
2Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]
Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened . [1930s]
Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We're going dancing after the play—are you on? [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]
be on one . Be at one's expense, either as a treat or the butt of a joke. For example, This round of drinks is on me , or He enjoys a good laugh, even when the joke's on him . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]
Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]
Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]
Idioms and Phrases
see be on .Example Sentences
He continued: "I was told the patient was on one-to-one observation so I remember thinking - how has this happened."
With Murray cooking the Clippers for a series-high 43 points, they trail the best-of-seven series 3-2 and are on the brink of being eliminated in the first round for the third straight season.
The latest review, however, found only four were on track to be met, while four were worsening – including the annual rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration, which was up 12% in a year.
The shy idols waved back – they were on their way to the barracks after rehearsals for the anniversary parade.
Around 1:15 p.m., she was on a three-way call with her mom and her best friend when they heard her cry, “Oh my God, he’s here.”
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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