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 1990s]

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 .

8. see be on.

Example Sentences

Fraud targeting hauliers - including criminals using bogus haulage companies - is on the rise in the UK, according to the police's National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already been on a mission to Beijing to secure foreign investment.

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All eyes are on this week's release of earnings from chip titan Nvidia, which this month became the first $5 trillion company.

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As it happens, Blue Owl’s data-center project in Abilene is on the edge of the West Texas oil patch that was the epicenter of the fracking boom.

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The cornerback had been on injured reserve for the Jets after suffering a shoulder injury during team practice in August.

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Related Words

• display 
• execute 
• give 
• go on 
• offer 
• play 
• present 
• produce 
• represent 
• show 
• stage