O
Idioms beginning with "O"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of O:
[on the outs] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Not friendly; having a quarrel.
Mary and Sue were on the outs.
Being on the outs with a classmate is very upsetting.
Syn.: [AT ODDS].
[on the point of] {prep.}
Ready to begin; very near to. — Usually used with a verbal noun.
The coach was on the point of giving up the game when our team scored two points.
The baby was on the point of crying when her mother finally came home.
[…]
[on the Q.T.] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Secretly; without anyone's knowing.
George and Paul formed a club on the Q.T.
The teachers got the principal a present strictly on the Q.T.
(from quiet.)
[on the road] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Traveling; moving from one place to another.
When we go on vacation, we take a lunch to eat while on the road.
Mr. Smith is on the road for his insurance company.
2. Changing; going from one condition to […]
[on the rocks] {adj. phr.}
1. {informal}
Wrecked or ruined.
Mr. Jones' business and marriage were both on the rocks.
2. With ice only.
At the restaurant, Sally ordered orange juice on the rocks.
[on the ropes] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Against the ropes of a boxing ring and almost not able to stand up.
The fighter was on the ropes and could hardly lift his gloves.
2. Almost defeated; helpless; near failure.
* /The new supermarket took […]
[on the run] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. In a hurry; hurrying.
Jane called "Help!" and Tom came on the run.
Modern mothers are usually on the run.
2. Going away from a fight; in retreat; retreating.
The enemy soldiers were on the run.
[on the safe side] {adv. phr.}
Provided for against a possible emergency; well prepared.
"Please double-check these proofs, Mr. Brown," the printer said, "just to be on the safe side."
[on the shelf] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Laid aside; not useful anymore.
When a girl grows up, she puts childish habits on the shelf.
Mr. Myron's company put him on the shelf when he reached the age of 65.
[on the side] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
1. In addition to a main thing, amount or quantity; extra.
He ordered a hamburger with onions and French fries on the side.
His job at the hospital did not pay much, so he found another on the side.
* […]