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]
-
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.
That was clearly not the case this quarter, but we remain on high alert.”
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
An Israeli military official said the army remained on high alert and was monitoring the situation after the US admiral announced the destroyed Iranian boats and shot-down missiles.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
The wave of strikes had some success in limiting Russia’s ability to cash in on high oil prices, according to Smith.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 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
The hot water was wrenched on high and Moss left his hands underneath it, the heat stinging his skin.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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.
