on the trot—(coll.) 1. moving from place to place: Two days on the trot carrying a big bag took its toll on me at only eighteen. 2. (also: on the run) running away from prison, the police, etc.: I eloped with one of the boys and we went on the trot from the approved school. […]
Difference between On the top of something and On top of something
on the top of something— 1. in the highest part of smth.: A picnic party had been formed to take tea on the top of the hill. 2. resting on smth.: The lightning was attracted by the acorn on the top of the chapel. 3. in the most important place: He was on the top […]
Difference between On the tick and On tick
on the tick —(coll.) punctually; on time: I am always here on the tick myself, and I do not see why jurors should not do the same. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in a tick—(coll.) in a moment: If I had broken the rules laid down for me I […]
Difference between On the table and Under the table
on the table —(of an official proposal, etc.) presented for discussion or consideration: I had heard that several alternative propositions were on the table. under the table—transacted or sold illicitly and secretly: Most bootleg alcohol is made domestically but sold “under the table” without the necessary permits.
Difference between On the stump and Up a stump
on the stump— 1. (of trees) before felling: You originally paid in cash for all that timber on the stump just ten thousand dollars. 2. (coll.) engaged in political speech-making: Government, in the persons of the Parliamentary heads of departments, is on the stump, or dickering for votes. up a stump —(coll.) 1. perplexed; at […]
Difference between On the street and On the streets
on the street— 1. out of work; unemployed: This business is so subjective. My general manager could change tomorrow and I could be on the street. 2. (U.S. sl.) outside prison: A number of men who are heterosexual on the street practice homosexuality in prison. on the streets— 1. homeless: These people were once in […]
Difference between On the spot and Spot on
on the spot— 1. at the place where one’s presence is needed: The police were on the spot very soon after the accident happened. 2. then and there; immediately: When Tom ruined an expensive machine, his boss fired him on the spot. 3. (coll.) in a difficult situation; in trouble (also: in a spot): He […]
Difference between On the rope and On the ropes
on the rope —(of mountain climbers) roped together: At about 6 we got to where we could unrope—having been 48 hours on the rope. on the ropes— 1. (of a boxer) forced back on to the ropes: Referee Brimmell stepped in to save Scot after the challenger had pinned him on the ropes for fully […]
Difference between On the right tack and On the tack
on the right tack—following the right course of action: I think you are on the right tack in trying to see them. It’s better than to carry on the affair by correspondence. on the tack —(sl.) abstaining from alcohol: It’s no good asking him to have a drink; he has been on the tack for […]
Difference between On the pill and On the pills
on the pill—said of a woman taking contraceptive pills regularly: Women who go on the pill have to try out several different brands before they find the right one. on the pills—on medication to treat an illness: Julia went through a pretty bad time after the accident—on the pills, seeing psychiatrists and what have you.
Difference between On the other side of the fence, On the other side of the hill and On the other side of the tracks
on the other side of the fence—on the side of the opposition: You fight all your life for something and then before you know where you are you’re on the other side of the fence fighting against it. on the other side of the hill—in the latter part of one’s life: I had to go […]
Difference between On the nail and To the nail
on the nail—(coll.) 1. (of payments) made on the spot: You know how I am; if I can’t pay on the nail, I don’t buy. 2. exactly right: Michael Miller directs the film with conviction, and the playing is on the nail. to the nail —(dated) most thoroughly (also: to a nail): My speech was […]