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.
Calhoun has been challenging CIF rules on high school transfers and NIL.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
This time the markets were on high alert for a rate hike and hence were looking for at least a hint of Fed thinking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
That’s enough to keep the Fed on high alert, economists say, but not enough to seal the deal for a rate hike.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026
As well as damage to natural habitats and animal life, Thomas warned loss of soil could increase flood risks, because it no longer acts as a "sponge" holding water on high ground.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
With all these windows into the lives of students and the close attention he paid, he has become an authority on high school sociology.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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.
