on high
Idioms-
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]
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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 .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The state depends on high earners to pay for basic services; in 2023, more than one-sixth of the state’s personal income tax revenue came from the top 0.1% of earners, or about 17,500 filers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
The self-declared modern-day Miss Marple warned Kenny to be on the lookout for anyone acting differently, reasoning that "if you're suddenly a traitor, you're going to be a bit on high alert".
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
“We’re still a little cautious on high yield because even though the absolute level of yields are great, spreads relative to traditional are still pretty tight,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026
A strengthening hurricane in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s coast has forecasters on high alert.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
The village, on high ground, dominated the Avre River valley.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
