Preposition Idioms: 10 Common Idioms with the Preposition “On”
On the Dot
Definition:
Exactly; at an expected interval
For example:
I will pick you up at 3 on the dot. Don’t be late!
On the Blink
Definition:
Not working, intermittently not working
For example:
The computer’s on the blink, and we have work piling up!
On the Down Low (D.L.)
Definition:
Secretly
For example:
Theresa and Jim are a couple, but he’s been seeing Bernice on the D.L.
On the Fence
Definition:
Undecided between two choices
For example:
I’m on the fence about the election—both candidates have their good and bad points.
On the Fritz
Definition:
Not working properly
For example:
The machine is on the fritz—we’re going to have to sort the cans by hand.
On the Fly
Definition:
While in motion, while traveling
For example:
I’ll eat dinner on the fly and meet you at 8.
On the Wagon
Definition:
Not drinking, having given up drinking
For example:
I’ll just take a Coke—I’m on the wagon.
On the Ball
Definition:
Prepared, alert, competent
For example:
Ralph is on the ball. I think we can leave the office under his supervision for a few days.
On the Same Page
Definition:
Understanding a situation in the same way
For example:
Sheila and I are on the same page about the sales presentation. We’ll work out the details tomorrow.
On Cloud Nine
Definition:
Extremely happy
For example:
Cindy was on cloud nine after her boyfriend proposed to her.
