O

[on foot]  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}

1. By walking.

Sally's bicycle broke and she had to return home on foot.

2. Being planned.

The reporter said that a civil rights demonstration was on foot.

* /Plans have been set on foot for a party for Miss  […]

[on guard]  {adj. phr.}

Watchful; watching.

The police warned people to he on guard for pickpockets during the Christmas rush.

Two men are on guard at the door.

Contrast: [OFF GUARD].

[on hand]  {adv. phr.}

1a. Nearby; within reach.

Always have your dictionary on hand when you study.

1b. Here.

Soon school will end and vacation will be on hand.

2. Present.

* /Mr. Blake's secretary is always on hand when he appears in  […]

[on high cotton]

See:

[ON TOP OF THE WORLD] also [SITTING ON HIGH COTTON].

[on hold]  {adv. phr.}

1. Left waiting while making a telephone call.

2. Waiting; temporarily halted.

* /"Put your marriage plans on hold, son, and wait until after  […]

[on ice]  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.},  {slang}

1. The same as won; sure to be won.

The score was 20—10 in the last inning, and our team had the game on ice.

2. Away for safekeeping or later use; aside.

* /You will have to put your vacation plans on ice  […]

[on in years]

See: [ALONG IN YEARS].

[on occasion]  {adv. phr.}

Sometimes; occasionally.

We go to New York on occasion.

On occasion we feel like celebrating and have a party.

Compare: [ONCE IN A WHILE], [FROM TIME TO TIME].

[on one hand]  {adv. phr.}

Looking at a thing in one of two possible ways; from one point of view. — Usually used with "on the other hand".

* /John wants to be a printer or a teacher; on one hand, printing pays better; on the other hand, schools need  […]

[on one's account]  {adv. phr.}

For your good; because you want to help or please someone.

Barry studied hard on his mother's account.

I hope you didn't bring tea to the picnic just on my account.

* /The teacher stayed in school a little late  […]