on strike

Idioms

Engaged in a work stoppage, as in The auto workers were on strike for the entire summer. The use of strike for a concerted labor stoppage undertaken to gain concessions from employers dates from the early 1800s. Today it is also used more loosely, as in Where washing dishes is concerned, Mom has announced that she's on strike. Also see go out, def. 4.

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.

London Underground drivers last went on strike in September in a dispute over pay and conditions.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Hundreds of teachers in southeast Los Angeles County went on strike Thursday in the Little Lake City School District, marking the first teacher work stoppage in the district’s 150-year history.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Planned operations and appointments are postponed, although NHS England says 95% of routine treatment does continue on strike days.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Pilots at Lufthansa have also gone on strike multiple times this year as part of their disputes with the company.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“Going to try and lead the house-elves out on strike now, are you?” said George.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023