on the back of a postcard—(in the phrase “fit on the back of a postcard”) said of the insignificant amount of one’s knowledge, information, etc.: The phrase “fit on the back of a postcard” comes to mind but a postcard would probably be too large to list out all that I know about art. Cf.: […]
Difference between On the back bench and On the bench
on the back bench— 1. (UK) said of members of Parliament who, because they do not hold office, are not entitled to a front-bench seat: His sojourn on the Back Bench will be short lived and he will return to the Front Bench soon. 2. (U.S.) said of the new members of Congress considered as […]
Difference between On tape and On the tape
on tape—recorded on magnetic tape: When people spoke “live” or on tape it was often difficult to hear what they were saying. on the tape— 1. = on tape: Magnetic patterns on the tape are translated by a tape-head into electrical impulses. 2. at the very end of a race: Wheeler regained the ground he […]
Difference between On tap and On the tap
on tap— 1. (of beer, etc.) drawn from a cask: The high-density drink is Geuze (so called when it is bottled, and Lambic when it is on tap). 2. (coll.) available for immediate use: I don’t believe in investing every penny one has; I like to have a few hundred pounds on tap. 3. (coll.) […]
Difference between On someone’s good side and On someone’s side
on someone’s good side—enjoying smb.’s favor or approval: This is a great way to show people that they need to be on your good side to earn all the information they want. on someone’s side—supporting and encouraging a person in a difficult and competitive situation: When he realizes that I’m on his side, he can […]
Difference between On someone’s case and On the case
on someone’s case— 1. investigating smb.’s crime: He has been able to avoid getting caught by every other detective on his case. 2. (U.S. sl.) harassing or criticizing a person in an annoying way: “My sister was on my case about that joke all night,” he continued. on the case— 1. = on someone’s case […]
Difference between On order and On orders
on order— 1. said of smth. ordered or requested but not yet supplied: We have twenty F-16 planes on order with you. We placed that order five years ago. 2. in compliance with a request: They do it on order, and the only thing they check is to see that your bill with the other […]
Difference between On one’s toes and On tiptoe
on one’s toes— 1. stand or walk on the front part of the feet: His lips fall onto my left cheek. I stand on my toes, and he hugs me tighter. 2. (coll.) active and alert; ready for action: We need several more salesmen who not only know the business, but are on their toes. […]
Difference between On one’s side and On the side
on one’s side— 1. said of smth. giving a person an advantage and increasing his chances of success: He has youth on his side, and it is odds but he gets over it [disease]. 2. said of smb. supporting a person in an argument, etc.: The polluters often have a strong commercial lobby on their […]
Difference between On one’s own hook and On the hook
on one’s own hook —(sl.) on one’s own initiative; relying on one’s own efforts: St. Mary’s Hospital does not meet incoming flights with its own vehicle. Patients come on their own hook. on the hook— 1. (of a telephone receiver) on its rest: Unless the telephone is on the hook, the subscriber cannot call or […]
Difference between On one’s hind legs and On the back foot
on one’s hind legs —(joc.) 1. standing up (to make a speech): Richard got on his hind legs and said that no decent man ought to read Shakespeare’s sonnets. 2. (coll.) very angry; enraged: “Don’t get on your hind legs but just listen to me,” returned Betty composedly. on the back foot—(UK) in a defensive […]
Difference between On one’s game and On the game
on one’s game —(of a sportsman) playing very well: Their disregard of the rules was accentuated by the fact that neither man was on his game. on the game—(UK sl.) involved in prostitution or stealing: Betty’s on the game, isn’t she? Has she got you at it too? See also: off one’s game / off […]