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View synonyms for on, be

on, be

1


be on

2
  1. Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]

  2. Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened . [1930s]

  3. Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We're going dancing after the play—are you on? [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

  4. 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 .

  5. 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]

  6. Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]

  7. Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]

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Idioms and Phrases

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Example Sentences

They then measured the actual amounts of choline and iodine in their lab versus what was on the label and also checked for arsenic, lead and cadmium.

In essence, they had a physical piece of evidence to provide proof that they were on the right track.

The financial impact would be on that individual’s inheritance tax bill, not each farm.

From BBC

He also relayed evidence from a local pastor who prayed with Mr Ogle before the attack after the victim said "they were on their way".

From BBC

Another 8 million borrowers won't be making payments when Trump takes office because one of Biden's repayment plans is on hold.

From Salon

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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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Beogradbe oneself