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]

Idioms and Phrases

see be on .

Example Sentences

To achieve fourth in the circumstances hinted at the fact a shot at pole was on for him.

From BBC

And the game allowed the Clippers to once again show how mighty they are on defense, which they did in slowing down the high-scoring Kings during a 104-88 win Friday night at Intuit Dome.

From Los Angeles Times

They attempted to secure council housing, falsely claiming they were on the run from Gleason-Mitchell’s former partner, who they claimed was violent.

From BBC

After working in the NHS for the best part of a decade in a non-patient facing role, she was delighted to be on the wards supporting doctors and the wider healthcare teams.

From BBC

Days later both were on life support in hospitals in Thailand.

From BBC

Related Words

• display
• execute
• give
• go on
• offer
• play
• present
• produce
• represent
• show
• stage