ON, BE Definition & Meaning

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on, be

be on

Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on? [ Colloquial ; second half of 1990s]
Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened . [1930s]
Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We're going dancing after the play—are you on? [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]
not be on . Be unacceptable, not allowable, as in I can't believe you'd cancel; that's just not on . This usage is more common in Britain than America. [ Colloquial ; 1930s] For a synonym, see not done . Also see be on to .
be on one . Be at one's expense, either as a treat or the butt of a joke. For example, This round of drinks is on me , or He enjoys a good laugh, even when the joke's on him . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]
Perform extremely well, as in I can't return Dan's serve—he's really on today . [ Slang ; second half of 1900s]
Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in Hurry up, you're on in five minutes . [Late 1700s]

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Trump has been on this crusade since the 1980s, when he saw Japanese businessmen buying up U.S. properties and getting rich selling their cars to Americans eager to buy them.

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

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