be on
The phrase 'be on' has versatile meanings depending on the context, ranging from responsibility to performance.
Definition
B1General
(informal)Scheduled or planned to take place.
Example
- The meeting is on for tomorrow at 10 AM.
B1General
(informal)Functioning or operational.
Example
- The lights are on.
B2General
(informal)Engaged in or involved with an activity or task.
Example
- She is on a new project at work.
B2General
(informal)In a state of readiness or alertness.
Example
- The security team is on high alert.
B2General
(informal)In agreement or alignment with a plan or idea.
Example
- Are you on with the new strategy?
B1Entertainment
(informal)Performing or displayed, such as on stage or television.
Example
- The show is on at 8 PM.
B2Responsibility
(informal, US)Responsible for something.
Example
- The success of the project is on you.
B2Colloquial
(informal, UK)To ask someone what they are talking about, often in a confused or skeptical manner.
Example
- What are you on about?
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "be on":
have onget onbe aroundbe withon thegoing onbe on the lookoutget on tobear onstand onbe all aboutgo onbe on someone's nutson the ballhot onhave one's name onkeep onstay onput onbe theresteady onon toget it onset onbe likeon trackgame onhave it going onon the linehave eyes onput up onlive onbeat onwork onon one's feetcoming onon the beatlook onout on one's feeton boardstuck onback ontocheck onswitch onon pointturn onon the upon airon tophop onhang onhave one's eye onat iton the make