Advertisement
Advertisement
be on
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 engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]
Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]
Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]
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]
not be on . Be unacceptable, not allowable, as in I can't believe you'd cancel; that's just not on . This usage is more common in Britain than America. [ Colloquial ; 1930s] For a synonym, see not done . Also see be on to .
see be on.
Example Sentences
"I was on the record a couple of weeks ago talking about the need to bed down that opening combination," said McDonald.
"They said 'Is this game going to be on?' and I said 'Not a chance,'" he says.
One of the larger crowds was in Los Angeles where leaders and law enforcement have been on high alert during days of protests, sometimes violent, against a series of deportation raids.
That heightened military presence was on show this weekend as a Danish naval frigate sailed around Nuuk Fjord and helicopters circled over the town.
"Things would be a lot different had I still been on dialysis," the 27-year-old pizza chef said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse