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.
As pertinent as stupidity is another human tendency, to be unable to remain permanently on high alert.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Low-cost carriers rely on high customer volume to turn a profit, which has become harder to come by as the war dampens travel demand.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
Many cannot receive certain vaccines and depend on high community vaccination for protection.
From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026
“No other country has gone to such lengths on high speed and high voltage,” Ma writes.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
An arrangement was made to build an impromptu prison on high ground in New Orleans.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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.
