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on, be
1be on
2Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]
Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened . [1930s]
Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We're going dancing after the play—are you on? [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]
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]
Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]
Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]
Idioms and Phrases
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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.
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