O
Idioms beginning with "O"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of O:
[on the Q.T.] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Secretly; without anyone's knowing.
George and Paul formed a club on the Q.T.
The teachers got the principal a present strictly on the Q.T.
(from quiet.)
[on the road] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Traveling; moving from one place to another.
When we go on vacation, we take a lunch to eat while on the road.
Mr. Smith is on the road for his insurance company.
2. Changing; going from one condition to […]
[on the rocks] {adj. phr.}
1. {informal}
Wrecked or ruined.
Mr. Jones' business and marriage were both on the rocks.
2. With ice only.
At the restaurant, Sally ordered orange juice on the rocks.
[on the ropes] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Against the ropes of a boxing ring and almost not able to stand up.
The fighter was on the ropes and could hardly lift his gloves.
2. Almost defeated; helpless; near failure.
* /The new supermarket took […]
[on the run] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. In a hurry; hurrying.
Jane called "Help!" and Tom came on the run.
Modern mothers are usually on the run.
2. Going away from a fight; in retreat; retreating.
The enemy soldiers were on the run.
[on the safe side] {adv. phr.}
Provided for against a possible emergency; well prepared.
"Please double-check these proofs, Mr. Brown," the printer said, "just to be on the safe side."
[on the shelf] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Laid aside; not useful anymore.
When a girl grows up, she puts childish habits on the shelf.
Mr. Myron's company put him on the shelf when he reached the age of 65.
[on the side] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
1. In addition to a main thing, amount or quantity; extra.
He ordered a hamburger with onions and French fries on the side.
His job at the hospital did not pay much, so he found another on the side.
* […]
[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 […]