O
Idioms beginning with "O"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
No categories:
Contents of O:
[on the up and up] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Honest; trustworthy; sincere.
We felt that he was honest and could be trusted. This information is on the up and up.
Compare: [ON THE LEVEL].
[on the wagon] {adv. phr.}
Participating in an alcohol addiction program; not touching any alcoholic beverage.
Jim's doctor and his family finally managed to convince him that he was an alcoholic and should go on the wagon.
Contrast: [FALL OFF THE […]
[on the wane and on the wax] {adv. phr.}
Decreasing and increasing. — Said of the moon.
The moon is regularly on the wane and on the wax at regular intervals lasting half a month.
[on the warpath] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
1. Very angry.
When Mother saw the mess in the kitchen she went on the warpath.
Betty has been on the warpath ever since she found out she was not invited to the party.
2. Making an attack; fighting.
[…]
[on the watch] {adj. phr.}
Alert; watchful.
The customs inspector was on the watch for diamond smugglers.
Mary was on the watch for bargains at the auction.
Compare: [EYE OUT], [LOOK OUT] (2).
[on the way] or [on one's way] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
Coming; going toward a place or goal; started.
Help was on the way.
The train left and Bill was on his way to New York.
He is well on the way to becoming a fine mechanic.
[on the whole] {adv. phr.}
1. In the most important things; in most ways.
On the whole, Billy did very well in school this year.
Everybody agreed that on the whole it was a good show.
Syn.: [IN ALL] (2), [FOR THE MOST PART].
2. In most […]
[on the wing] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. In the air; while flying.
The duck flew away, but John shot it on the wing.
2. {informal}
In constant motion; always very busy.
Susan was on the wing doing things to get ready for her trip.
* /Mr. […]