1
general::
Phrase(s): *(up)on someone
Fig. to be someone’s obligation or responsibility. (*Typically: be ~; lie ~.) • The obligation is upon you to settle this. • The major part of the responsibility is on you., Phrase(s): on something
1. taking a medication. • I am on an antibiotic for my chest cold. • I want you to be on this drug for another week. 2. taking an illegal drug or controlled substance and acting strangely. • What is the matter with that kid? Is he on something? • She acted as if she were on barbiturates or something., Phrase(s): *on someone or something
[incriminating or harmful information] about someone or something. (*Typically: get something ~; have something ~; give someone something ~.) • I’ve gotten something on Albert that would really shock you. • She is trying to get something on her husband so she can divorce him.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
see BE ON., 1. Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened. [1930s] 2. Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We're going dancing after the play? are you on? [Colloquial; late 1800s] 3. Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes. [Late 1700s] 4. Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve? he's really on today. [Slang; second half of 1900s] 5. Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [Colloquial; second half of 1900s] 6. 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] 7. 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.
American Heritage Idioms
3
general::
prep.
above/in contact:
The vase was on the table.
prep.
at or along:
The house was on the beach.
prep.
near:
The town was on the border.
prep.
motion towards:
He threw the books on the floor.
prep.
exact point of:
You must come on the hour.
prep.
a source of:
He lived on bread and water.
prep.
the purpose of:
We must travel on business.
prep.
about:
It was a book on physics.
adj.
in operation:
The television is on.
adj.
planned:
We have nothing on for the weekend.
adj.
taking place now:
The parade is on.
Simple Definitions