O
Idioms beginning with "O"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
No categories:
Contents of O:
[on the sly] {adv. phr.}
So that other people won't know; secretly.
The boys smoked on the sly.
Mary's mother did not approve of lipstick, but Mary used it on the sly.
[on the spot] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. or [upon the spot]
At that exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or leaving.
The news of important events is often broadcast on the spot over television.
* /When Tom ruined an expensive […]
[on the spur of the moment] {adv. phr.}
On a sudden wish or decision; suddenly; without thought or preparation.
John had not planned to take the trip; he just left on the spur of the moment.
* /Mary saw a help-wanted advertisement and applied for […]
[on the stage] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
In or into the work of being an actor or actress.
John's brother is on the stage.
Mary went on the stage.
[on the strength of] {prep.}
With faith or trust in; depending upon; with the support of.
On the strength of Jim's promise to guide us, we decided to climb the mountain.
* /Bill started a restaurant on the strength of his experience as a cook in […]
[on the string] or [on a string] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Under your influence or control; obedient to every wish.
The baby had his mother on a string.
She was pretty and popular, with two or three boys on the string all the time.
[on the take] {adv. phr.}
Bribable; corrupt.
Officer O'Keefe was put on three months' probation because it was alleged that he was on the take.
[on the tip of one's tongue] {adv. phr.}
About to say something, such as a name, a telephone number, etc., but unable to remember it for the moment.
"His name is on the tip of my tongue," Tom said. "It will come to me in a minute."
[on the town] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In or into a town to celebrate; having a good time or enjoying the amusements in a town.
When the sailors got off their ship they went out on the town.
Compare: [PAINT THE TOWN RED].
[on the track of] or [on the trail of]
Hunting or looking for; trying to find; following.
The hunter is on the track of a deer.
The lawyer is on the trail of new proof in the case.
* /Jim collects old stamps; he is on the track of one in […]