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

Yosemite National Park officials — some of whom are on furlough due to the government shutdown — did not respond to an email requesting comment or issue any statements confirming the accident or its cause.

From Los Angeles Times

"I asked, how do I deal with this conversation but not be on the defensive."

From BBC

But the words "change is on my agenda" and not being "suffocated" by history make it very clear that he has a vision for monarchy that will look forward rather than back.

From BBC

"I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda," he said.

From BBC

Collier added that Engelbert told her, “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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