Idioms Translator
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Base language: EN
Letter: o
Total idioms: 9849 - currently selected: 459 (50 per page)On one's last legs
Details:
If you are on your last legs, you are in a very weak condition or about to die.
Examples:
I was so sick that I felt as though I was on my last legs!
If you are on your last legs, you are in a very weak condition or about to die.
Examples:
I was so sick that I felt as though I was on my last legs!
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's own
Details:
on one's own
1. (idiomatic) Alone; by oneself; without the companionship or assistance of others.
? A seven-year-old can get dressed on his own, but it might take a long time.
? I love cheese on toast, but I won't eat cheese on its own.
Examples:
on one's own
1. (idiomatic) Alone; by oneself; without the companionship or assistance of others.
? A seven-year-old can get dressed on his own, but it might take a long time.
? I love cheese on toast, but I won't eat cheese on its own.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's own account
Details:
on one's own account
1. (idiomatic) On one's own behalf.
2. (idiomatic) By oneself.
3. (idiomatic) At one's own risk.
Examples:
on one's own account
1. (idiomatic) On one's own behalf.
2. (idiomatic) By oneself.
3. (idiomatic) At one's own risk.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's tod
Details:
on one's tod (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic, chiefly Northern England) on one's own, alone
Examples:
on one's tod (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic, chiefly Northern England) on one's own, alone
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's toes
Details:
on one's toes
1. (idiomatic) attentive, active, busy or alert.
? If you're not on your toes you'll miss something.
? I keep my students on their toes with pop quizzes.
Examples:
on one's toes
1. (idiomatic) attentive, active, busy or alert.
? If you're not on your toes you'll miss something.
? I keep my students on their toes with pop quizzes.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's uppers
Details:
Someone who is on their uppers has very little money or not enough to cover their needs.
Examples:
Because he was clearly on his uppers when he was hired, he was given an advance in salary.
Someone who is on their uppers has very little money or not enough to cover their needs.
Examples:
Because he was clearly on his uppers when he was hired, he was given an advance in salary.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On one's watch
Details:
on one's watch
1. (chiefly US, idiomatic) During the period of time when one is in a position of authority or responsibility.
Examples:
on one's watch
1. (chiefly US, idiomatic) During the period of time when one is in a position of authority or responsibility.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On opposite sides of the barricades
Details:
on opposite sides of the barricades
1. (idiomatic) Of starkly different, opposite views on an issue.
Examples:
on opposite sides of the barricades
1. (idiomatic) Of starkly different, opposite views on an issue.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On paper
Details:
on paper
1. Used other than as an idiom: see on, paper.
2. (figuratively) Based on debatable inference; in theory.
Examples:
on paper
1. Used other than as an idiom: see on, paper.
2. (figuratively) Based on debatable inference; in theory.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On pins and needles
Details:
If you are on pins and needles, you are very anxious or nervous about what is going to happen.
on pins and needles
1. (idiomatic) Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
Examples:
Scott was on pins and needles while he waited for the result of the exam.
If you are on pins and needles, you are very anxious or nervous about what is going to happen.
on pins and needles
1. (idiomatic) Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
Examples:
Scott was on pins and needles while he waited for the result of the exam.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On purpose
Details:
on purpose
1. (idiomatic) Purposefully; with intention; deliberately.
? That wasn't an accident! You did it on purpose!
Examples:
on purpose
1. (idiomatic) Purposefully; with intention; deliberately.
? That wasn't an accident! You did it on purpose!
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On second thought
Details:
on second thought (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) After reconsidering; on further consideration.
? I originally thought that it was a good idea, but on second thought I'm not so sure.
Examples:
on second thought (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) After reconsidering; on further consideration.
? I originally thought that it was a good idea, but on second thought I'm not so sure.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On second thoughts
Details:
'On second thoughts' means that after giving the matter more thought, you have changed your mind.
Examples:
My idea was to move to an apartment, but on second thoughts, I'd rather have a garden.
'On second thoughts' means that after giving the matter more thought, you have changed your mind.
Examples:
My idea was to move to an apartment, but on second thoughts, I'd rather have a garden.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On sight
Details:
on sight (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Immediately when sighted.
? I recognized him on sight.
2. (by extension) Immediately something has come to one's attention.
? He dismissed the idea on sight.
Examples:
on sight (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Immediately when sighted.
? I recognized him on sight.
2. (by extension) Immediately something has come to one's attention.
? He dismissed the idea on sight.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On someone's account
Details:
on someone's account (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) For someone's sake.
Examples:
on someone's account (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) For someone's sake.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On steroids
Details:
on steroids (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic, informal) (usually after the name of a place or thing), to a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
? "Panic is anxiety on steroids".
? "Iceland is like Scotland on steroids". Jeremy Clarkson, motoring writer.
? NASA's New Moon Plans: 'Apollo on Steroids', Space.com article headl
Examples:
on steroids (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic, informal) (usually after the name of a place or thing), to a greater degree, exaggerating the characteristics of the previously named object.
? "Panic is anxiety on steroids".
? "Iceland is like Scotland on steroids". Jeremy Clarkson, motoring writer.
? NASA's New Moon Plans: 'Apollo on Steroids', Space.com article headl
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On sufferance
Details:
on sufferance (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Unwillingly agreed to or barely tolerated.
? I wasn't whole-hearted about the decision but couldn't think of a better one, so went along with it on sufferance for the time being.
Examples:
on sufferance (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Unwillingly agreed to or barely tolerated.
? I wasn't whole-hearted about the decision but couldn't think of a better one, so went along with it on sufferance for the time being.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On tenterhooks
Details:
A person who is on tenterhooks is in a state of anxious suspense or excitement.
on tenterhooks (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a state of suspense or apprehension.
Examples:
The candidate were kept on tenterhooks for hours while the panel deliberated.
A person who is on tenterhooks is in a state of anxious suspense or excitement.
on tenterhooks (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a state of suspense or apprehension.
Examples:
The candidate were kept on tenterhooks for hours while the panel deliberated.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the anvil
Details:
on the anvil (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a state of discussion, formation, or preparation; not yet matured.
Examples:
on the anvil (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a state of discussion, formation, or preparation; not yet matured.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the back burner
Details:
on the back burner (comparative more on the back burner, superlative most on the back burner)
1. (idiomatic) Not immediate; inactive; receiving less than full or regular attention.
? That project is on the back burner until we deal with higher priorities.
on the back burner<
Examples:
on the back burner (comparative more on the back burner, superlative most on the back burner)
1. (idiomatic) Not immediate; inactive; receiving less than full or regular attention.
? That project is on the back burner until we deal with higher priorities.
on the back burner<
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the back foot
Details:
on the back foot
1. (idiomatic) In a defensive posture; off-balance.
Examples:
on the back foot
1. (idiomatic) In a defensive posture; off-balance.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the back of
Details:
on the back of
1. (idiomatic) as a result of; after; subsequent to.
Examples:
on the back of
1. (idiomatic) as a result of; after; subsequent to.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the ball
Details:
If you are on the ball, you are aware of what is happening and are able to deal with things quickly and intelligently.
on the ball
1. (idiomatic) Alert, active, or attentive; on top of things.
? If I had been more on the ball I would have asked when he called me.
2. (sports) Being in control of the ball
Examples:
We need someone who is really on the ball to head the fund-raising campaign.
If you are on the ball, you are aware of what is happening and are able to deal with things quickly and intelligently.
on the ball
1. (idiomatic) Alert, active, or attentive; on top of things.
? If I had been more on the ball I would have asked when he called me.
2. (sports) Being in control of the ball
Examples:
We need someone who is really on the ball to head the fund-raising campaign.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the blink
Details:
If a machine is on the blink, it is not working properly and needs servicing or repair.
on the blink
1. (idiomatic) functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well. Usually refers to a mechanical or electrical device.
? My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread.
Examples:
What a nuisance! The photocopier is on the blink again.
If a machine is on the blink, it is not working properly and needs servicing or repair.
on the blink
1. (idiomatic) functioning erratically, malfunctioning; not working or not working well. Usually refers to a mechanical or electrical device.
? My toaster is on the blink, making either charcoal or cold bread.
Examples:
What a nuisance! The photocopier is on the blink again.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the bottle
Details:
A person who drinks alcohol often and regularly is on the bottle.
Examples:
John went on the bottle when he lost his job.
A person who drinks alcohol often and regularly is on the bottle.
Examples:
John went on the bottle when he lost his job.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the bounce
Details:
on the bounce (not comparable)
1. (UK, idiomatic, informal, chiefly sports) consecutively, in succession
Examples:
on the bounce (not comparable)
1. (UK, idiomatic, informal, chiefly sports) consecutively, in succession
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the brain
Details:
on the brain
1. (idiomatic) Obsessively in mind.
? He's only got one thing on the brain: lust.
Examples:
on the brain
1. (idiomatic) Obsessively in mind.
? He's only got one thing on the brain: lust.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the breadline
Details:
People who live on the breadline have a very low income or barely enough money to survive.
Examples:
Due to the recent crisis, there are more people on the breadline thanever before.
People who live on the breadline have a very low income or barely enough money to survive.
Examples:
Due to the recent crisis, there are more people on the breadline thanever before.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the brink
Details:
on the brink (comparative more on the brink, superlative most on the brink)
1. (idiomatic) Very nearly; imminent; close.
? The old building seemed to be on the brink of collapse.
Examples:
on the brink (comparative more on the brink, superlative most on the brink)
1. (idiomatic) Very nearly; imminent; close.
? The old building seemed to be on the brink of collapse.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the bubble
Details:
on the bubble
1. (motor racing) Holding the last qualifying position with qualification still in progress, and thus liable to lose that position.
? Smith was on the bubble but lost out when Jones was faster by a tenth of a second.
2. (sports) Having qualification for an event depend on the upcoming performances of other competitors.
? The Knights had been on the bubble for the tournament, but pla
Examples:
on the bubble
1. (motor racing) Holding the last qualifying position with qualification still in progress, and thus liable to lose that position.
? Smith was on the bubble but lost out when Jones was faster by a tenth of a second.
2. (sports) Having qualification for an event depend on the upcoming performances of other competitors.
? The Knights had been on the bubble for the tournament, but pla
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the button
Details:
on the button
1. (idiomatic) Exactly, precisely.
? They arrived at 3:30, on the button.
? Her landing was right on the button.
Examples:
on the button
1. (idiomatic) Exactly, precisely.
? They arrived at 3:30, on the button.
? Her landing was right on the button.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the cards
Details:
on the cards (comparative more on the cards, superlative most on the cards)
1. (idiomatic) Likely to occur, probable.
Examples:
on the cards (comparative more on the cards, superlative most on the cards)
1. (idiomatic) Likely to occur, probable.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the cheap
Details:
on the cheap
1. (idiomatic) Economically, especially if too economically.
? Well, if you buy things on the cheap what do you expect?
Examples:
on the cheap
1. (idiomatic) Economically, especially if too economically.
? Well, if you buy things on the cheap what do you expect?
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the clock
Details:
on the clock (not comparable)
1. (literally) Displayed on the dial of a clock (timepiece).
2. (idiomatic) Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
3. (idiomatic) Of a taxicab, engaged for hire; displayed numerically as time or fare on the meter of a taxicab.
4. (sports) In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
Examples:
on the clock (not comparable)
1. (literally) Displayed on the dial of a clock (timepiece).
2. (idiomatic) Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
3. (idiomatic) Of a taxicab, engaged for hire; displayed numerically as time or fare on the meter of a taxicab.
4. (sports) In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the cuff
Details:
on the cuff (not comparable)
1. (chiefly US, idiomatic) On credit, with payment to be made later.
Examples:
on the cuff (not comparable)
1. (chiefly US, idiomatic) On credit, with payment to be made later.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the cutting room floor
Details:
on the cutting room floor
1. (idiomatic) Not included in the finalized version of something; deliberately rejected or unintentionally overlooked.
? The experimental broccoli ice cream flavor was left on the cutting room floor after market research.
Examples:
on the cutting room floor
1. (idiomatic) Not included in the finalized version of something; deliberately rejected or unintentionally overlooked.
? The experimental broccoli ice cream flavor was left on the cutting room floor after market research.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the defensive
Details:
on the defensive
1. (idiomatic) Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
Examples:
on the defensive
1. (idiomatic) Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the dole
Details:
A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole.
Examples:
Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget.
A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole.
Examples:
Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget.
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the dot
Details:
on the dot
1. (idiomatic) exactly; precisely, especially of a numerical quantity
? He arrived at 10 o'clock, on the dot.
Examples:
on the dot
1. (idiomatic) exactly; precisely, especially of a numerical quantity
? He arrived at 10 o'clock, on the dot.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the double
Details:
on the double
1. (idiomatic) Rapidly or immediately.
? Fortunately, help arrived on the double, and the victim's injuries were soon treated.
Examples:
on the double
1. (idiomatic) Rapidly or immediately.
? Fortunately, help arrived on the double, and the victim's injuries were soon treated.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the down-low
Details:
on the down-low (comparative more on the down-low, superlative most on the down-low)
1. (US, idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) In secret.
? I'll tell you, but keep it on the down-low.
2. (US, idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) Secretly sleeping with someone other than one's partner.
3. (African America
Examples:
on the down-low (comparative more on the down-low, superlative most on the down-low)
1. (US, idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) In secret.
? I'll tell you, but keep it on the down-low.
2. (US, idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) Secretly sleeping with someone other than one's partner.
3. (African America
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the edge of one's seat
Details:
Someone who is on the edge of their seat is very interested in something and fits it both extremely exciting and nerve-wracking.
Examples:
Look at Bob! He's on the edge of his seat watching that rugby match!
Someone who is on the edge of their seat is very interested in something and fits it both extremely exciting and nerve-wracking.
Examples:
Look at Bob! He's on the edge of his seat watching that rugby match!
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the edge of one's seat
Details:
on the edge of one's seat
1. (idiomatic) In suspense; waiting eagerly or anxiously for some resolution.
? The movie had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning.
Examples:
on the edge of one's seat
1. (idiomatic) In suspense; waiting eagerly or anxiously for some resolution.
? The movie had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the face of
Details:
on the face of
1. (idiomatic) Notwithstanding.
? On the face of all the evidence, he was found guilty.
Examples:
on the face of
1. (idiomatic) Notwithstanding.
? On the face of all the evidence, he was found guilty.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the face of it
Details:
on the face of it (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Apparently; as far as can be seen or determined.
Examples:
on the face of it (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Apparently; as far as can be seen or determined.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the fly
Details:
on the fly (not comparable)
1. (baseball, of the ball) Without a bounce.
? Jones caught the ball on the fly
2. (idiomatic) Spontaneously or extemporaneously; done as one goes, or during another activity.
? The software program has a table of values for some results, but calculates others on the fly.
Examples:
on the fly (not comparable)
1. (baseball, of the ball) Without a bounce.
? Jones caught the ball on the fly
2. (idiomatic) Spontaneously or extemporaneously; done as one goes, or during another activity.
? The software program has a table of values for some results, but calculates others on the fly.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the front foot
Details:
on the front foot (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a dominant position.
Examples:
on the front foot (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) In a dominant position.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the game
Details:
on the game
1. (idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) Working as a prostitute.
Examples:
on the game
1. (idiomatic, slang, euphemistic) Working as a prostitute.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the go
Details:
on the go (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Actively traveling; busy; moving often.
? A good suitcase is essential for someone who is on the go as much as he is.
2. Being started.
? The new initiative is now on the go.
Examples:
on the go (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Actively traveling; busy; moving often.
? A good suitcase is essential for someone who is on the go as much as he is.
2. Being started.
? The new initiative is now on the go.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
On the home stretch
Details:
To say that you are on the home stretch means that you are approaching the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
Examples:
Don't give up - we're on the home stretch now.
To say that you are on the home stretch means that you are approaching the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
Examples:
Don't give up - we're on the home stretch now.
Detalii:
Exemple:
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