on · prep
on (TOUCH/HIT)
B2 used to show what happens as a result of touching or hitting against something
Dictionary examples:
You'll cut yourself on that knife if you're not careful. (17.6)
I hit my head on the shelf as I was standing up. (19.8)
on (FOOD/FUEL)
B2 used to show something which is used as food or fuel
Dictionary examples:
What do frogs live on? (19.8)
Does this radio run on batteries? (26.1)
on behalf of sb or on sb's behalf
B2 If you do something on behalf of someone, you do it for them or instead of them.
Dictionary examples:
On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank you for all your work. (43.8)
Unfortunately, George cannot be with us today so I am pleased to accept this award on his behalf. (47.3)
on balance ()
B2 used to give your opinion after you have considered all the facts about something
Dictionary examples:
On balance, I'd rather go straight home. (29.9)
on (the) condition that
B2 only if
Dictionary examples:
I'll go with you on the condition that we get back before midnight. (37.0)
on duty ()
B2 If someone such as a doctor or a soldier is on duty, they are working.
Dictionary examples:
What time are you on duty tomorrow? (36.0)
on top of sth
B2 in addition to something else
Dictionary examples:
And then, on top of everything else, her car was stolen! (29.1)
He tripped and hurt his back, and on top of that, he lost his cell phone. (49.2)
on the one hand . . . on the other hand
B2 used when you are comparing two different ideas or opinions
Dictionary examples:
On the one hand, computer games develop many skills, but on the other, they mean kids don't get enough exercise. (36.5)
be on a committee/panel, etc.
C1 to be a member of a group or organization
Dictionary examples:
There are 14 people on the Board of Trustees. (17.5)
How many people are on your staff? (19.6)
She's on the refreshments committee. (57.5)
on the air
C1 played on television or radio
Dictionary examples:
His show is on the air from 11:00 to 11:30 Monday through Thursday. (24.2)
be on the ball
C1 to be quick to understand and react to things
Dictionary examples:
She's over ninety, but she's still on the ball. (25.0)
on the basis of sth
C1 as the result of something
Dictionary examples:
Grades are awarded on the basis of progress and performance. (38.7)
on the grounds of/that
C1 because of a particular reason
Dictionary examples:
I refused on the grounds that it was too risky. (61.1)
You cannot discriminate on the grounds of religion. (73.0)
on hold
C1 If a plan or activity is on hold, it will not be done until a later time.
Dictionary examples:
The project is on hold until we raise more money. (33.3)
on hold
C1 waiting to speak to someone on the telephone
Dictionary examples:
His secretary put me on hold. (34.4)
on the horizon
C1 likely to happen soon
Dictionary examples:
Economic recovery is on the horizon. (48.7)
on the increase
C1 If something is on the increase, it is happening more often.
Dictionary examples:
Homelessness is on the increase in many cities. (62.8)
on the job
C1 at the place where you work, or while you work
Dictionary examples:
She's only had two years on the job and has been promoted already. (28.5)
He keeps falling asleep on the job. (30.5)
on loan
C1 If something is on loan, someone is borrowing it.
Dictionary examples:
Both paintings are on loan from the city museum. (25.1)
on location
C1 If a film or television program is made on location, it is made at a place suitable to the story.
Dictionary examples:
The movie was shot on location in Kenya. (30.0)
on the road
C1 driving or traveling, usually over a long distance
Dictionary examples:
We'd been on the road for 4 hours so we stopped to stretch and have a snack. (34.1)
on track
C1 making progress and likely to succeed
Dictionary examples:
We've got a lot of work to do but we're on the right track. (23.1)
A fighter from Edinburgh is on track to become world heavyweight boxing champion. (85.2)
on show
C1 being shown to the public
Dictionary examples:
Her designs are currently on show at the Museum of Modern Art. (34.2)
on the side
C1 A food served on the side is served separate from the other foods.
Dictionary examples:
I’ll have the salad with the dressing on the side. (15.3)
on site
C1 inside a factory, office building, etc.
Dictionary examples:
There are two restaurants on site. (11.8)
They provide on-site childcare facilities for employees. (56.6)
be on the verge of sth
C2 to be about to happen or be done very soon
Dictionary examples:
The company is on the verge of financial disaster. (60.6)
have/carry sth on you
C2 to have something with you
Dictionary examples:
Do you have any money on you? (7.6)
I don’t have my driver’s license on me. (13.9)
be on cloud nine
C2 to be extremely happy and excited
Dictionary examples:
When I heard I got the job, I was on cloud nine! (55.9)
on the dot
C2 at that exact time
Dictionary examples:
We have to leave at 7:30 on the dot. (24.5)
be on edge
C2 to be nervous or worried
Dictionary examples:
Sorry for shouting - I'm a little on edge today. (57.5)
on the face of it
C2 used when you are describing how a situation seems on the surface
Dictionary examples:
On the face of it, this seems like a bargain, but I bet there are hidden costs. (52.3)
be on (your) guard
C2 to be ready to deal with something difficult that might happen
Dictionary examples:
Companies were warned to be on their guard for suspicious packages. (46.1)
on hand
C2 near to someone or something, and ready to help or be used when necessary
Dictionary examples:
Extra supplies will be on hand, in case they are needed. (85.2)
on impulse
C2 suddenly and without thinking first
Dictionary examples:
I tend to act on impulse. (52.1)
(be) on the line
C2 If someone's job, reputation, life, etc., is on the line, they may lose it.
Dictionary examples:
If we don't win the contract, all our jobs are on the line. (21.3)
on the spur of the moment
C2 If you do something on the spur of the moment, you do it suddenly, without planning it.
Dictionary examples:
On the spur of the moment we decided to go to London for the day. (62.9)
on occasion
C2 sometimes, but not often
Dictionary examples:
He has, on occasion, told a small lie. (27.6)
on the part of sb; on sb's part
C2 done or experienced by someone
Dictionary examples:
The accident was caused by carelessness on the instructor's part. (41.9)
This is a major sacrifice on the part of the unions. (47.4)
be on good/bad/friendly, etc. terms
C2 to have a good/bad, etc. relationship with someone
Dictionary examples:
I'm still on friendly terms with my old colleagues. (31.8)
be on the same wavelength
C2 If two people are on the same wavelength, they have the same way of thinking and it is easy for them to understand each other.
Dictionary examples:
We chatted occasionally, but I never really felt we were on the same wavelength. (65.6)
be on the brink of sth
C2 to be in a situation where something bad is going to happen very soon
Dictionary examples:
The two countries are on the brink of war. (59.6)
on the side
C2 in addition to your main job
Dictionary examples:
She does some freelance work on the side. (45.9)
on the spot
C2 immediately
Dictionary examples:
I accepted the job on the spot. (28.2)
on (SURFACE)
A1 on or onto a surface
Dictionary examples:
My homework is on the moon. (0.0)
My teacher dances on her desk. (0.0)
There's an elephant on my car! (0.0)
Look at all the books on your desk! (10.3)
I dropped my pen on the floor. (15.5)
We put any medicines on a high shelf. (17.2)
Your suitcase is on a shelf in the closet. (18.0)
Ouch! You stepped on my foot. (46.5)
on (DAY/DATE)
A1 used to show the day or date when something happens
Dictionary examples:
I eat ice cream on Mondays. (0.0)
On January 1st, I eat 100 apples. (0.0)
I dance with bananas on Wednesdays. (0.0)
What are you doing on Friday? (8.3)
Some of the stores aren't open on Sundays. (18.7)
My birthday's on the 30th of May. (45.0)
on (CONNECTED)
A1 covering, touching, attached to or hanging from something
Dictionary examples:
The cat sat on my head. (0.0)
The fly is on your nose! (0.0)
The baby put food on the wall. (0.0)
You've got blood on your shirt. (20.5)
Which finger do you wear your ring on? (32.2)
We could hang this picture on the wall next to the door. (33.8)
Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times. (47.4)
on (DIRECTIONS)
A2 used to refer to a place when giving directions
Dictionary examples:
The pizza shop is on Silly Street, next to the laughing bank. (0.0)
You'll find the banana-shaped house on Fruit Street, can't miss it! (0.0)
Take a right on Giggle Lane to reach the tickle factory. (0.0)
Turn right on Broadway. (11.3)
Our house is the first on the left after the post office. (39.7)
on (TRAVEL)
A2 used for showing some methods of traveling
Dictionary examples:
He's on a unicycle to his wedding. (0.0)
I'm on a flying carpet to Disneyland! (0.0)
They're on a giant rubber duck across the ocean. (0.0)
We went to France on the ferry. (20.0)
She'll be arriving on the five-thirty train. (37.7)
He called to say he's on the bus and will be here in a few minutes. (54.5)
on (PLACE)
A2 in a particular place
Dictionary examples:
I found my phone on my head. I was wearing it as a hat! (0.0)
The elephant sat on the tiny chair, looking very confused. (0.0)
The cat sat on the pizza, thinking it was a warm bed. (0.0)
They lived on a farm. (11.0)
the diagram on page 22 (15.4)
on (RECORDING)
A2 used to show the way in which something is recorded or broadcast
Dictionary examples:
Our teacher's funny faces are on TikTok. She's so cool! (0.0)
Our baby's first words are on the answering machine. It's 'pizza'! (0.0)
My brother's bad singing is on video. It's comedy gold! (0.0)
What's on television tonight? (10.0)
When's that movie coming out on DVD? (10.5)
on (TIME/MONEY)
A2 used to show what money or time is used for
Dictionary examples:
I spent two hours on finding my glasses. They were on my head! (0.0)
I spent all my money on a giant pizza. No regrets! (0.0)
Tom used all his savings on a time machine. It didn't work. (0.0)
She refuses to spend more than $30 on a pair of shoes. (20.1)
I've wasted too much time on this already. (32.5)
on foot
A2 walking
Dictionary examples:
I'm not lazy, I'm just allergic to going on foot! (0.0)
My cat thinks he's people - he insists on going on foot! (0.0)
On foot? No thanks, I prefer to travel by giant hamster ball. (0.0)
Are you going by bicycle or on foot? (15.6)
(all) on your own
B1 alone
Dictionary examples:
I tried to assemble IKEA furniture on my own. It's now a modern art piece! (0.0)
I tried to learn a new language on my own. Now I speak fluent gibberish! (0.0)
He learned to cook on his own. Now, even his dog refuses to eat! (0.0)
I like living on my own. (15.9)
(all) on your own
B1 without any help
Dictionary examples:
Jack tried to bake a cake on his own. The fire department loved the visit! (0.0)
David tried to fix the sink on his own. His house is now a swimming pool! (0.0)
Tom tried to assemble IKEA furniture on his own. It's now a modern art piece! (0.0)
Ryan can't get into his shirt on his own - he's just a baby! (20.6)
on (ABOUT)
B1 about
Dictionary examples:
I'm writing a book on how to fail spectacularly at everything. (0.0)
His lecture on the art of sleeping in class was surprisingly popular. (0.0)
He's an authority on the subtle art of burning toast. (0.0)
a book on plants (7.4)
Her thesis is on Italian women's literature. (68.3)
on (NEXT TO)
B1 next to or along the side of a place or area
Dictionary examples:
The spider on my computer screen won't let me finish my homework. (0.0)
The clown balanced on the edge of the swimming pool, making everyone laugh. (0.0)
The dog on the skateboard is cooler than I'll ever be. (0.0)
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany. (15.4)
Our house was on Sturton Street. (23.0)
New York is on the Hudson River. (43.1)
on (USING)
B1 using something
Dictionary examples:
The students are on pogo sticks during the math test. (0.0)
My cat is on the treadmill, trying to lose weight. (0.0)
My grandma plays violent video games on her toaster. (0.0)
I'm on the phone. (4.7)
That's Chris on drums and Mike on guitar. (15.0)
I do all my bookkeeping on the computer. (43.5)
on fire
B1 If something is on fire, it is burning when it should not be.
Dictionary examples:
My homework was on fire, but at least I had a hot excuse! (0.0)
The fire station was on fire. How ironic is that? (0.0)
The swimming pool was on fire. Now that's what I call a hot tub! (0.0)
If your home was on fire and you could save only one thing, what would it be? (26.4)
on purpose
B1 intentionally
Dictionary examples:
I slept through my alarm on purpose to miss the boring meeting. (0.0)
Tom forgot his homework on purpose to avoid the math test. (0.0)
She spilled water on her laptop on purpose to avoid finishing her essay. (0.0)
I didn't do it on purpose, it was an accident. (21.2)
on sale
B1 available to buy in stores, on the Internet, etc.
Dictionary examples:
Blank books are on sale. The stories are up to you! (0.0)
My neighbor's old socks are on sale. They smell like victory! (0.0)
Invisible ink is on sale today. Can you see the amazing deal? (0.0)
Tickets went on sale yesterday. (8.6)
The video and book are now on sale. (13.3)
on display ()
B1 If something is on display, it is there for people to look at.
Dictionary examples:
The school's lost and found items are on display in the main hall. (0.0)
The teacher's collection of confiscated phones is on display in her office. (0.0)
My dad's embarrassing baby photos are on display at my wedding reception. (0.0)
Many old airplanes are on display in the museum. (19.1)
on sale
A2 available at a reduced price
Dictionary examples:
My dad bought 100 toilet papers on sale. We're ready for anything! (0.0)
My grandma bought 50 cans of beans because they were on sale. (0.0)
Books were on sale, so I bought a tower of knowledge! (0.0)
I love that dress but I'm waiting until it's on sale before I buy it. (23.8)
on board
B1 on a boat, train, aircraft, etc.
Dictionary examples:
There's a clown on board the bus. Everyone's laughing except the driver. (0.0)
The cat was on board the yacht, wearing a tiny sailor hat. (0.0)
There's a magician on board the train. He made all the tickets disappear! (0.0)
There were 230 people on board the plane. (18.4)
on time
B1 not early or late
Dictionary examples:
I'm never on time for work, but always on time for lunch break. (0.0)
I'm always on time for free food, but never for work. (0.0)
I'm always on time for sales, but late for paying bills. (0.0)
I got to school on time. (7.7)
on the whole
B1 generally
Dictionary examples:
On the whole, my English is perfect, except when I speak it. (0.0)
On the whole, I'm organized, except for that one messy drawer. (0.0)
On the whole, I'm punctual, give or take an hour or two. (0.0)
We've had a few problems, but on the whole we're very happy. (27.0)