on high

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 .

Example Sentences

Although the march route does not reach the COP venue itself, security is likely to remain on high alert.

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“America is winning the war on high prices,” the White House said in a statement.

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It makes no sense to raise income-tax rates on high earners who already pay over 50% of their salaries through state and local as well as federal income taxes.

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"There is no point professors preaching from on high. We need farmers themselves to show others that this does not necessarily mean a drop in income."

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Mumbai, India's financial capital, has been put on high alert, as has the Uttar Pradesh state which borders Delhi.

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Related Words

• aerial 
• atop 
• skyward 
• upward