on high

1. In a position of authority, as in Those on high have decreed that we work every other weekend . This usage is an ironic transfer from def. 1. Also see powers that be .

2. Up in the sky; also, in heaven. For example, They fixed their eyes on high, looking for the comet , or, in the Bible (Psalms 63:5), “The Lord our God who dwelleth on high.” [c. 1200]

Example Sentences

Initially, he handed out leaflets on high streets as part of an animal rights group.

From BBC

Although Ukraine gained some ground around Chasiv Yar, which is situated on high ground some 10km west of Bakhmut, Russian forces have since made further advances in the area.

From BBC

“There will be no political messiah coming from the White House on high to save us,” he said last year in a lengthy speech laying out his plans.

From New York Times

It probably didn’t help that much of southwest California was similarly on high alert for fires, included in that elevated red flag warning.

From Los Angeles Times

That has firefighters across the region on high alert.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aerial
• atop
• skyward
• upward