on high
Idioms-
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]
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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 .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Emergency Services were called to a property on High Street in St Asaph, Denbighshire, shortly after 12:00 GMT on 25 December following reports of a disturbance.
From BBC
Its forces are on "high alert" to defend Taiwan and "protect our people", the ministry said.
From BBC
Nato governments are on high alert for any signs that Russia is cutting the undersea cables that carry the electronic traffic that keeps Western society going.
From BBC
As for the adviser issue, I’m glad you’re on high alert about who you work with – especially regarding your finances and personal information.
From MarketWatch
"On the other hand, there are still small areas in the CAR -- mainly along the border -- where militants continue to operate, so the Central African defence and security forces, together with Russian military specialists, are on high alert."
From Barron's
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.
