on high

Idioms  

1. 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]

2. 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 .

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Example Sentences

That has come as inflation across the United States has remained stubbornly high post-pandemic, and New York in particular has seen rents rise on high demand, supply shortages and other factors.

From Barron's

The ICE SUV stays put despite the unrelenting noise and a neighborhood now on high alert.

From Slate

He did eventually disappear, so when they approached the spot where they would usually separate near the Orwell Hotel on High Road East, they checked the area to ensure he had definitely gone.

From BBC

Staffordshire Police said officers were called to the scene, on High Street, alongside other emergency services at 08:37 GMT.

From BBC

Currency markets have been on high alert for intervention after the yen approached 160 against the dollar earlier this month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aerial
• atop
• skyward
• upward