on the nose
exactly right or accurate
English · United States 868
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in the US — distinctly American usage first, then widespread staples.
on the one hand
Introducing a point in contrast to another
on the other hand
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the other side of
in a different situation or location
on the outs
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the outside, looking in
Feeling excluded or separated from a group or activity
on the pill
using birth control pills
on the plus side
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the point of
Very close to doing something
on the prowl
Searching for a romantic or sexual partner
on the pull
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the Q.T.
Secretly or quietly, without others knowing
on the rack
under intense pressure or pain
on the radar
Being considered or noticed
on the rag
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the rails
proceeding smoothly and as planned
on the rampage
Causing destruction or violence in a wild and uncontrolled manner
on the ready
Prepared to act or respond immediately
on the receiving end
receiving criticism or punishment
on the right side of history
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the rise
Increasing in popularity, importance, or amount
on the run
trying to escape or hide from someone
on the same page
Having a shared understanding or agreement
on the shelf
Unused or postponed, often indefinitely
on the skids
Declining or deteriorating rapidly
on the sly
Secretly or stealthily, often to avoid detection
on the spectrum
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the spot
happening or done immediately
on the square
honest and fair in all dealings
on the stocks
in preparation or being developed
on the street
available or known to the public
on the table
Available for discussion or consideration
on the toss of a coin
made by chance or impulse
on the trot
doing something continuously without a break
on the up
improving or becoming more successful
on the up-and-up
Honest and legitimate in all aspects
on the uptake
quick to understand or respond
on the wagon
not drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking
on the wane
Declining or decreasing in power, influence, or popularity
on the warpath
Acting aggressively or seeking to confront someone
on the way
happening or done during a journey or process
on the whole
Generally or overall, considering all aspects
on the wrong side of history
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on the wrong side of the blanket
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on thin ice
In a precarious or risky situation
on this score
in this respect or matter
on top
in a position of power or success
on top of
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on top of the world
Ecstatic.
on track
Making progress as planned
on velvet
in a very comfortable or prosperous situation
on what score
For what reason or basis
on with you
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
on yer bike
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
once a(n) _, always a(n) _
A person's character or behavior remains constant over time
once again
Happening or done another time
once and for all
Finally and completely, putting an end to all debate or uncertainty
once bitten, twice shy
Having been hurt once, someone is more cautious next time.
once in a while
Occurring occasionally or infrequently
once or twice
A small, indefinite number of times