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be on
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 engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]
Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]
Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]
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]
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 .
see be on.
Example Sentences
"When you are on the side you don't hear every word, you hear a noise and you know if it's a positive noise or a negative noise," said Dyche.
While it’s quicker and faster than its predecessors, much of the focus seems to be on delivering emotional content rather than stopwatch performance—most obviously, in the presence and sonority of the engine.
Wells warned in “The Time Machine,” the classes are on track to evolve into separate species, so it’s no wonder Michelle feels entitled to behave like a predatory Great Black Wasp.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a report last month that said while AI adoption is on the rise among employers, retraining staff—rather than laying them off— is the most common outcome.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says that “everything is on the table” in trade talks.
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