on

donzhtm

on
on / ɔn; NAmE ɑːn; ɔːn /
preposition
HELP
For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example turn on sb is in the phrasal verb section at turn.
   on 在短语动词中的特殊用法见有关动词词条。如 turn on sb 在词条 turn 的短语动词部份。
1. in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface
   (覆盖、附着)在…上(意指接触物体表面或构成物体表面的一部份):
   a picture on a wall
   墙上的画
   There's a mark on your skirt.
   你裙子上有一块斑。
   the diagram on page 5
   第 5 页上的图解
   Put it down on the table.
   把它放在桌子上。
   He had been hit on the head.
   他被打中了脑袋。
   She climbed on to the bed.
   她爬上了床。
HELP
This could also be written: onto the bed
   此句亦可写作:onto the bed
2. supported by sb / sth
   由…支撑着:
   She was standing on one foot.
   她单脚站立着。
   Try lying on your back.
   试着仰卧。
   Hang your coat on that hook.
   把衣服挂在衣鈎上。
3. used to show a means of transport
   在(运输工具)上:
   He was on the plane from New York.
   他在纽约来的飞机上。
   to travel on the bus / tube / coach
   乘公共汽车/地铁/长途汽车
   I came on my bike.
   我骑自行车来的。
   a woman on horseback
   骑马的女郎
4. used to show a day or date
   在(某一天):
   He came on Sunday.
   他是星期天来的。
   We meet on Tuesdays.
   我们每星期二见面。
   on May the first / the first of May
   在五月一日
   on the evening of May the first
   在五月一日的晚上
   on one occasion
   曾经有一次
   on your birthday
   在你生日那天
5. immediately after sth
   就在…之后；一…就:
   On arriving home I discovered they had gone.
   我一到家就发现他们已经离开了。
   Please report to reception on arrival.
   到达后请立即到接待处报到。
   There was a letter waiting for him on his return.
   他一回来就有一封信在等着他看。
6. about sth / sb
   关于(事或人):
   a book on South Africa
   一本关于南非的书
   She tested us on irregular verbs.
   她考了我们的不规则动词。
7. being carried by sb; in the possession of sb
   (身上)带着；有:
   Have you got any money on you?
   你带钱了没有？
8. used to show that sb belongs to a group or an organization
   为(某团体或组织)的一员:
   to be on the committee / staff / jury / panel
   为委员会/全体职员/陪审团/评判小组的成员
   Whose side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support) ?
   你支持哪一方的观点？
9. eating or drinking sth; using a drug or a medicine regularly
   吃；喝；按时服用(药物):
   He lived on a diet of junk food.
   他把垃圾食品当饭吃。
   The doctor put me on antibiotics.
   医生要我服用抗生素。
10. used to show direction
   (表示方向)在,向,对:
   on the left / right
   在左边/右边
   He turned his back on us.
   他转过身去背对着我们。
11. at or near a place
   在,接近(某地):
   a town on the coast
   沿海的城镇
   a house on the Thames
   泰晤士河畔的房子
   We lived on an estate.
   我们住在一处庄园上。
12. used to show the basis or reason for sth
   根据；由于:
   a story based on fact
   基于事实的小说
   On their advice I applied for the job.
   我听从他们的建议申请了这份工作。
13. paid for by sth
   以…支付；由…支付:
   to live on a pension / a student grant
   靠养老金/助学金生活
   to be on a low wage
   挣低工资
   You can't feed a family on £50 a week.
   你无法靠每周 50 英镑养活一家人。
   Drinks are  on me (= I am paying).
   饮料钱由我付。
14. by means of sth; using sth
   通过；使用；借助于:
   She played a tune on her guitar.
   她用她的吉他弹了一支曲子。
   The information is available on the Internet.
   从互联网上可得到这个信息。
   We spoke on the phone.
   我们通过电话谈了谈。
   What's on TV?
   电视上有什么节目？
   The programme's on Channel 4.
   这个节目在 4 频道。
15. used with some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by sth
   (与某些名词或形容词连用,表示影响到):
   a ban on smoking
   对吸烟的禁令
   He's hard on his kids.
   他对自己的孩子很严厉。
   Go easy on the mayo! (= do not give me too much)
   少来一点蛋黄酱！
16. compared with sb / sth
   与…相比:
   Sales are up on last year.
   销售量比去年增长了。
17. used to describe an activity or a state
   (用于说明活动或状态):
   to be on business / holiday / vacation
   在工作/度假中
   The book is currently on loan.
   该书已借出。
18. used when giving a telephone number
   (用于电话号码前):
   You can get me on 0181 530 3906.
   你找我可以拨打 0181 530 3906。
   She's on extension 2401.
   她的分机号是 2401。
adverb
HELP
For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example get on is in the phrasal verb section at get.
   on 在短语动词中的特殊用法见有关动词词条。如 get on 在词条 get 的短语动词部份。
1. used to show that sth continues
   (表示持续性):
   He worked on without a break.
   他毫不停歇地继续工作。
   If you like a good story, read on.
   欲知故事的趣味所在,请往下读。
2. used to show that sb / sth moves or is sent forward
   向前(移动):
   She stopped for a moment, then walked on.
   她停了一会儿,然后又向前走。
   Keep straight on for the beach.
   一直向前走到海滩。
   From then on he never trusted her again.
   从那时起,他再也不信任她了。
   Please send the letter on to my new address.
   请把信件转寄到我的新地址。
3. on sb's body; being worn
   穿在身上；穿着；戴着:
   Put your coat on.
   把外衣穿上。
   I didn't have my glasses on.
   我没戴眼镜。
   What did she have on (= what was she wearing) ?
   她穿着什么衣服？
4. covering, touching or forming part of sth
   (表示覆盖、接触某物或成为某物的一部份):
   Make sure the lid is on.
   要注意盖上盖子。
5. connected or operating; being used
   (表示已连接、处于工作状态或使用中):
   The lights were all on.
   灯都亮着。
   The TV is always on in their house.
   他们家的电视总是开着。
   We were without electricity for three hours but it's on again now.
   我们停电三个小时了,不过现在又来电了。
6. happening
   (表示发生):
   There was a war on at the time.
   当时正值战争。
   What's on at the movies?
   电影院在上演什么片子？
   The band are on (= performing) in ten minutes.
   乐队再过十分钟开始演奏。
7. planned to take place in the future
   (预先安排的事)将发生:
   The game is still on (= it has not been cancelled).
   比赛仍将举行。
   I don't think we've got anything on this weekend.
   我想这个周末我们没安排活动。
   I'm sorry we can't come—we've  got a lot on.
   很抱歉我们去不了——我们安排得太满了。
8. on duty; working
   值班；执行任务中:
   I'm on now till 8 tomorrow morning.
   我正在值班,要值到明早 8 点钟。
9. in or into a vehicle
   登上(车辆):
   The bus stopped and four people got on.
   公共汽车停下来,四个人上了车。
   They hurried on to the plane.
   他们匆忙登上了飞机。
⇨ see also onto

IDIOMS
▪ be 'on about sth    (informal)  to talk about sth; to mean sth
   谈论(某事)；有…的意思:
   I didn't know what he was on about. It didn't make sense.
   我不知道他说的什么。他说的没什么意义。
▪ be / go / keep 'on about sth    (informal, disapproving)  to talk in a boring or complaining way about sth
   抱怨；唠叨；发牢骚:
   Stop keeping on about it!
   别再唠叨那件事了！
▪ be / go / keep 'on at sb (to do sth)    (informal, disapproving)  to keep asking or telling sb sth so that they become annoyed or tired
   (对某人)絮叨；说(或问)得令人生厌:
   He was on at me again to lend him money.
   他又来缠着我借钱给他。
▪ be 'on for sth    (informal)  to want to do sth
   想要做某事:
   Is anyone on for a drink after work?
   有人想下班后喝一杯吗？
▪ it isn't 'on
   (informal) used to say that sth is not acceptable
   不行；没门儿
▪ ˌon and 'on
   without stopping; continuously
   连续不停地；持续地:
   She went on and on about her trip.
   她没完没了地谈她的旅行。
▪ what are you, etc. 'on?
   (informal) used when you are very surprised at sb's behaviour and are suggesting that they are acting in a similar way to sb using drugs
   你鬼迷心窍了吧；你吃错药了吧
▪ you're 'on
   (informal) used when you are accepting a bet
   (用于接受打赌时)赌就赌吧
⇨ more at off adv.

donzhtm

on¹ / ɑn ; ɔn /
◙prep
1. ON A SURFACE 在…上面
a. touching a surface or being supported by a surface
• 在…上面〔表示接触或由某一表面支撑着〕:
»Leave your things on the table over there.
  把你的东西放在那边的桌子上。
»People were sunbathing on the grass.
  人们在草地上晒日光浴。
»The little girl was sitting on her father's shoulders.
  这小女孩坐在她爸爸的肩上。
--› see box at AT
b. used to say that someone or something moves so that they are then touching or supported by a surface
• 在…上; 到…上面:
»snow falling on the mountainsides
  落在山坡上的雪
»He threw himself on the bed.
  他一头倒在床上。
2. SUPPORTING YOUR BODY 支撑住身体, used to say what part of someone's body is touching the ground or another surface and supporting their weight
• 由…支撑，由…支持:
»She was on her feet in no time.
  她很快就站了起来。
»He was on his hands and knees searching for something.
  他趴在地上找东西。
»Can you stand on your head?
  你会倒立吗？
3. PART HIT / TOUCHED 某部分被打到/碰到, used to say what part of someone or something is hit or touched
• 到…上; 在…上:
»I wanted to punch him on the nose.
  我很想在他鼻子上揍一拳。
»Matt kissed her on the cheek.
  马特亲吻了她的脸颊。
4. WRITTEN / SHOWN 写在/出现在, used to say where something is written or shown
• 写在…; 出现在…:
»There's a diagram on page 25.
  第 25 页上面有个图表。
»He wrote his phone number on a piece of paper.
  他把自己的电话号码写在一张纸上。
5. ATTACHED 依附的, attached to or hanging from something
• 附在…; 挂在…:
»She hung her coat on a hook.
  她把外套挂在衣钩上。
»Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
  狗必须时刻用牵狗带牵着。
6. PLACE 地方, in a particular place
• 在〔某地〕:
»The town is right on the border.
  这个城镇就在边境上。
»Is there a water supply on the island?
  岛上有供水吗？
»He grew up on a ranch in California.
  他在加利福尼亚的一个农场长大。
»a store on Fifth Avenue
  第五大道上的一家商店
7. POSITION 位置, in a particular position in relation to something else
• 〔相对于其他事物〕在〔某位置〕:
»You'll see the school on your left.
  你会看到这所学校在你的左边。
»They live on the opposite side of the town.
  他们住在镇子的另一端。
8. LOOKING / POINTING 往…看/指向…, looking or pointing towards something or someone
• 往…看; 指向〔某物或某人〕:
»His eyes were on the stranger standing in the doorway.
  他看着站在门口的那个陌生人。
»She trained her binoculars on the house.
  她把望远镜对准了这幢房子。
9. DAY / DATE 日子/日期, during a particular day
• 在〔某一天〕:
»They'll be here on Tuesday.
  星期二他们要到这里来。
»I was born on July 1st.
  我生于 7 月 1 日。
»We'll see you on Christmas Eve.
  圣诞前夕我们来看你。
10. AFFECTING / RELATING TO 对…造成影响/和…有关系, affecting or relating to someone or something
• 对…造成影响; 和…有关系:
»a tax on cigarettes
  香烟税
»his influence on young people
  他对青年人的影响
»There will be new restrictions on the sale of weapons.
  对武器买卖将有新的限制。
»What effect will these changes have on the tourist industry?
  这些变化会给旅游业带来什么影响？
11. ABOUT 关于…, about a particular subject
• 关于…，有关…:
»Do you have any books on India?
  你有关于印度的书吗？
»You can get information on local services by calling this number.
  你可以打这个电话获取有关当地公共事业机构的信息。
»an international conference on global warming
  有关全球气候变暖的国际会议
12. ORDERS / ADVICE 命令/建议, as a result of someone's order, request, or advice
• 根据…的命令; 按…的建议:
»He was killed on the king's orders.
  按国王的命令他被处以极刑。
»I accepted the offer on the advice of my lawyer.
  我按律师的建议接受了这个提议。
13. EAT / DRINK 吃/喝, used to talk about what someone usually eats or drinks
• 吃…; 喝…:
»They live mainly on beans, lentils and rice.
  他们主要食用豆类、小扁豆和米饭。
»Is your baby on solid food yet?
  你的宝宝开始吃固体食物了吗？
14. TRANSPORT 运输
a. in or into a bus, train, plane etc
• 乘坐〔公共汽车、火车、飞机等〕;
【OPP】 off
»Did you manage to sleep on the plane?
  你在飞机上睡着了吗？
»Tommy should be on the six o'clock train.
  汤米应该乘坐六点钟的那班火车。
»She got on the first bus that came along.
  她乘上了最先开来的那辆公共汽车。
b. riding something
• 骑在…上:
»a statue of the king on horseback
  一尊国王骑在马背上的雕像
»I'll probably come on my bike.
  我很可能骑自行车来。
15. MONEY 钱, receiving money for a job or as a regular payment
• 挣…钱，工资为…:
»He's on quite a good salary now.
  他现在工资相当高了。
»She must be on at least ￡50,000 a year.
  她一年至少能挣 50,000 英镑。
»the difficulties faced by families on low incomes
  低收入家庭面临的困难
16. FUEL 燃料, using a particular type of FUEL or power
• 以…为燃料，用…作动力:
»Most buses run on diesel.
  大多数公共汽车都以柴油作燃料。
»Does it work on mains electricity?
  它是靠电力供应系统来运转吗？
17. MEDICINE / DRUGS 药/毒品, taking a particular drug or medicine regularly
• 吸毒; 服…药，吃…药;
【OPP】 off
»Are you still on antibiotics?
  你还在服用抗生素吗？
»The doctor put her on Prozac.
  医生让她服用“百忧解”。
»A lot of these kids are on heroin by the age of twelve.
  这些孩子中有许多人十二岁就开始吸食海洛因了。
18. what's sb on?,  [spoken] used to say that someone is behaving in a very strange way, as if they are taking an illegal drug
• 某人吃错什么药了？ 某人吸了什么毒了？〔说某人的举止十分异常，好像吸食了毒品似的〕
19. USING EQUIPMENT 使用设备, using a machine or piece of equipment
• 使用…机器，用…设备:
»He's been on the computer all afternoon.
  他一下午都在用计算机。
»Is Rachel still on the phone?
  雷切尔还在打电话吗？
20. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 乐器, playing a musical instrument
• 奏…乐器，用…演奏:
»He played a short piece on the piano.
  他用钢琴弹奏了一首短曲。
»The album features Rick Wakeman on keyboards.
  这张专辑收录的是里克∙威克曼演奏的键盘音乐。
21. RADIO / TELEVISION 收音机/电视机, being broadcast by radio or television
• 在〔收音机〕里; 在〔电视〕上:
»What's on TV tonight?
  今晚电视里播什么节目？
»Did you hear that programme on the radio last night?
  你听到昨晚收音机里的那档节目了吗？
22. RECORDED 录制的, used to say in what form information is stored or music, films etc are recorded
• 以…方式录制的:
»The movie is now available on video and DVD.
  这部电影现在有录像带和数码影碟两种。
»I always keep a backup copy on disk.
  我总是给计算机磁盘留个备份。
23. ACTIVITY / JOURNEY 活动/旅行, taking part in an activity or travelling somewhere
• 参加…活动; 到…去旅行:
»She's on a course all this week.
  本周她一直都在上课。
»I met him on vacation in Canada.
  我在加拿大度假时碰到了他。
»My girlfriend is often away on business trips.
  我的女朋友经常出差。
24. INCLUDED 包括在内的, included in a group or team of people or in a list
• 在〔团体或队〕中; 在〔名单〕上:
»Are you still on the management committee?
  你还在管理委员会吗？
»Mr Edwards is no longer on the staff here.
  爱德华兹先生不再是这里的员工了。
»Whose team are you on?
  你参加谁的球队？
»There was no steak on the menu.
  菜单上没有牛排。
»What's the next item on the agenda?
  议事日程上下一项是什么内容？
25. WHEN STH HAPPENS 某事发生时,  [formal] as soon as someone has done something or as soon as something has happened
• 在…的时候，当…时:
»Couples are presented with a bottle of wine on their arrival at the hotel.
  夫妇到达酒店时会获送一瓶葡萄酒。
»All patients are examined on admission to the hospital.
  所有病人入院时都要经过身体检查。
»on doing sth
»What was your reaction on seeing him?
  你看到他时有什么反应？
26. COMPARED WITH STH 与某物相比, compared with another person or thing
• 和〔另一人或物〕相比:
»This essay is a definite improvement on your last one.
  这篇文章比起你的上一篇绝对有了改进。
»Sales are 10% up on last year.
  和去年相比较，销售额增加了10%。
27. CARRYING STH 携带某物,  [informal] if you have something on you, you have it in your pocket, your bag etc
• 携带…:
»I don't have any money on me.
  我身上一点钱都没带。
28. PAY 支付, be on sb  [spoken] used to say who is going to pay for something
• 由某人付钱:
»The drinks are on me!
  饮料我请客！
»Each table will get a bottle of champagne on the house (=paid for by the restaurant, hotel etc) .
  每桌都将得到一瓶香槟，免费招待。
29. TELEPHONE NUMBER 电话号码, used to say what number you should use in order to telephone someone
• 打…电话号码;
【SYN】 at  [AmE] :
»You can contact me on this number.
  你可以打这个电话号码和我联系。
30. CAUSING SB PROBLEMS 给某人带来麻烦, used when something bad happens to you, for example when something you are using suddenly stops working, or someone you have a relationship with suddenly leaves you
• 遇到…麻烦:
»Suddenly the telephone went dead on me.
  我的电话突然断了。
»Dorothy's first husband walked out on her.
  多萝茜的第一任丈夫抛弃她走了。
on²
◙adj, adv [not before noun]
1. CONTINUING 继续, used to say that someone continues to do something or something continues to happen, without stopping
• 继续的（地），不停的（地）:
»We decided to play on even though it was snowing.
  尽管下雪了，我们决定继续比赛。
»He went on and on (=talked for a very long time) about his job all evening.
  他一晚上不停地讲他的工作。
2. FURTHER 进一步, if you move, walk etc on, you move forward or further towards something
• 继续往前的（地），再向前的（地）:
»If you walk on a little, you can see the coast.
  再往前走一点，你就会看见海岸了。
»We drove on towards Manchester.
  我们继续朝曼彻斯特驶去。
3. LATER 之后，以后, later than or after a particular time
• 之后，以后:
»Now, forty years on, this is one of the most successful theatres in the country.
  四十年以后的今天，这家剧院成了国内最为成功的剧院之一。
»From that moment on I never believed a word she said.
  从那一刻起，我不再相信她说的任何一句话。
4. WEARING STH 穿戴某物, if you have something on, you are wearing it
• 穿（戴）上:
»All he had on was a pair of tattered shorts.
  他只穿了一条破短裤。
»Put your coat on . It's freezing outside.
  穿上大衣吧，外面冷极了。
5. ATTACHED 附着的, used to say that something is attached to something else, especially when it is in the correct position
• 覆盖; 附着〔尤在正确的位置〕上;
【OPP】 off
»Is the cover on properly?
  盖子盖好了吗？
»Remember to put the lid back on.
  记住把盖子盖好。
6. WRITTEN 书写的, used to say that something is written somewhere
• 写着的:
»He was wearing a badge with his name on.
  他戴了一枚徽章，上面有他的姓名。
7. TRANSPORT 运输, in or into a bus, train etc
• 乘上〔公共汽车、火车等〕;
【OPP】 off
»The train stopped and two people got on.
  火车停下来，有两个人上去了。
8. LIGHT / MACHINE 灯/机器, if a machine, light etc is on, it is operating
• 〔机器、灯等〕运转的，开着的;
【OPP】 off
»Who left all the lights on?
  谁把所有的灯都开着？
»The TV's on, but nobody seems to be watching it.
  电视开着，但好像没人在看。
»He sat down at the desk and switched on the computer.
  他坐到书桌前，打开了计算机。
9. BEING BROADCAST 正在广播（播放）的, if a radio or television programme etc is on, it is being broadcast
• 〔广播或电视节目〕正在播出的:
»What time is 'Star Trek' on?
  《星际迷航》什么时候播出？
10. EVENTS 事件, if an event is on, it has been arranged and is happening or will happen
• 正在（将要）发生的;
【OPP】 off
»The transport union has confirmed that the strike is definitely on.
  运输工会已证实肯定会举行罢工。
»I'd avoid the city centre – there's some kind of procession on.
  我要避开市中心，那里在举行什么游行。
»Is the party still on tonight or have they cancelled it?
  今晚的派对照常举行，还是他们把它取消了？
11. PERFORMING / SPEAKING 表演/演讲, performing or speaking in public
• 表演; 演讲:
»You're on in two minutes.
  两分钟以后轮到你讲了。
12. WORKING 在工作, if you are on at a particular time, you are doing your job at that time
• 工作，上班:
»I'm not on again until 2 o'clock tomorrow.
  我要到明天下午两点钟才上班。
13. have sth on,  [informal] if you have something on, there is something that you must do
• 有事要干:
»I haven't got anything on tomorrow, so I could see you then.
  明天我没什么事，可以来看你。
»We've got a lot on at the moment.
  我们现在有很多事干。
14. on and off also off and on,  for short periods but not regularly over a long period of time
• 断断续续地，间歇地:
»He's been smoking for 10 years now, on and off.
  到现在，他断断续续地吸烟有十年了。
15. be / go / keep on at sb,  [informal] to keep complaining to someone or asking someone to do something, especially when this annoys them
• 不停地对某人发牢骚; 不断地要某人做某事:
»I've been on at him to fix that cupboard for weeks now.
  到现在为止，我催促他修理那个柜子已经有好几个星期了。
»I wish you wouldn't go on at me the whole time!
  我希望你别没完没了地对我发牢骚！
16. be / go / keep on about sth,  [BrE informal] to keep talking about something, in a way that is boring or annoying
• 〔令人生厌地〕不断谈论某事物:
»He's always going on about money.
  他老是不停地说钱啊钱的。
»I don't know what you're on about!
  我不知道你在唠叨些什么！
17. be not on,  [BrE spoken] if something is not on, it is not acceptable or reasonable
• 这不行，这不能接受，这不合理:
»I'm sorry, what you're suggesting is just not on!
  很抱歉，你提的提议无法接受！
18. be on for sth,  [spoken] to be ready or willing to do something that someone has suggested
• 准备做某事; 愿意做某事:
»Right, how many of you are on for a drink after work?
  好，你们有几个人愿意下班后去喝一杯？
19. you're on,  [spoken] used tell someone that you accept a BET or an invitation to compete against them
• 赌就赌，我接受:
»'I bet you ￡20 he won't turn up.' 'You're on!'
  “我跟你赌 20 英镑，他不会来的。”“赌就赌！”
--› see ONTO

donzhtm

on
I
/ˈɑːn/  prep  
  1 a : touching and being supported by the top surface of (something)
   The book is (lying) on the table.
   There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
  1 b : to a position that is supported by (something)
   You can get on [=onto] the horse as soon as we've put the saddle on it.
   I climbed out on [=onto] the roof.
  1 c
  — used to indicate the part or object by which someone or something is supported
   How long can you stand on one foot?
   He stood on the stool.
   He was on his hands and knees looking for her earring.
  2
  — used to say that something is attached to something
   He hung the painting on the wall.
   Apples hung on the branches.
  3
  — used to indicate where someone or something is hit or touched
   I bumped my head on a low branch.
   He slapped me on the hand.
   She kissed him on the cheek.
  4 a
  — used to indicate the surface or part where something is seen or located
   There are marks on the wall.
   I have a cut on my finger.
  4 b
  — used to say that something (such as jewelry) is being worn by someone
   the ring on her finger
  5 : near or close to (something or someone)
   a village on [=by] the sea
  6
  — used to indicate the location or position of something or someone
   Our house is on the left.
   There is a garden on the side of the house.
   We saw cows and chickens on the farm.
   He lives on Main Street.
   on page 102 in/of the book
   Which side is it on?
  7
  — used to indicate the time when something happened or will happen
   We met on July 24th.
   On my way home [=while I was going home], I saw a car accident.
   (formal) On the morning of July 24th, the suspect left his house at 8:15 a.m.
   I would like the report on or before July 24th.
   The TV station gives news every hour on the hour. [=at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, etc.]
   The project was finished on schedule/time. [=when it was supposed to be finished]
  8 : immediately after (something)
   What was your first reaction on hearing the news? [=when you heard the news]
   You'll be required to pay on delivery of the package. [=when the package is delivered]
  9
  — used to indicate the subject of something
   a book on [=about] North American birds
   a discussion on current events
   Let's reflect on [=upon] the poem for a moment.
   a test on parts of speech
  10 a
  — used to indicate the device or instrument that is used to do something
   He played a couple songs on the piano.
   He cut his foot on a piece of broken glass.
  10 b
  — used to say that someone is using a telephone, computer, etc.
   They talked on the phone for hours.
   She was on the phone when I went to her office.
   He has been on the computer all night.
  10 c
  — used to describe the device, system, etc., that is used for seeing something, hearing something, etc.
   It's the best show on television.
   I heard that song on the radio.
   the display on the computer screen
   a Web site on the Internet
   I have the movie on DVD.
  11
  — used to indicate a source of something (such as money, food, information, or energy)
   She lives on a small salary.
   The family lives on welfare.
   They make their living on [=off] tourism.
   They profited on [=from] the sale of the house.
   The animal feeds on insects.
   I lived on cereal [=I ate a lot of cereal regularly] in my college years.
   The machine runs on diesel fuel.
   The story is based on fact.
  12
  — used to indicate the vehicle or animal by which someone or something is moved from one place to another
   I sometimes go to work on a bus. [=I sometimes take a bus to get to work]
   Have you ever ridden on a horse?
  13
  — used to say that you have something in your possession at a particular time
   I only have $10 on me.
   He had a knife on him.
  14
  — used to indicate the state of something
   The house is on fire!
   House sales are on the rise. [=are rising]
   All shoes are on sale.
  15
  — used to indicate an activity that someone did or is now doing
   She did well on the exam/test.
   The band is currently on tour.
   He is off/away on a trip/vacation.
   She is on a diet.
   The officers are on duty.
  16
  — used to indicate something (such as a medicine or drug) that a person or animal is using
   He used to be on drugs, but he's off them now.
   (informal) What (drugs) is she on?
   They put the dog on antibiotics.
  17
  — used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for something
   The drinks are on me. [=I will pay for the drinks]
   They blamed it on me. [=they said it was my fault]
  18 a
  — used to indicate the person or thing that something is directed toward
   The deadline was creeping up on us. [=the deadline was getting closer]
   an attack on religion
   He is working on [=at] his skiing.
   They are still working on the problem.
   They made a down payment on the house.
   He pulled a gun on me.
   He turned his back on her and walked away.
   a ban on smoking
   Her eyes were on the road. [=she was watching the road]
  18 b
  — used to say that someone has been affected by something
   The crops died on them.
   Her husband walked out on her.
  19
  — used after an adjective to indicate the thing that a statement relates to
   I am short on cash. [=I don't have much cash]
   Opinions are divided on this issue.
   (Brit) Sales are up on last year's but down on those of previous years.
  20 : as stated or shown by (someone or something)
   I have it on good authority [=a trustworthy person has told me] that the company will be relocating.
   (Brit) On [=according to] these estimates, we'll be out of debt soon.
  21
  — used to indicate that someone or something is included as part of a team, list, etc.
   She served on the jury/committee/board.
   He is on the team.
   That dish is no longer on the menu.
   His name was on the list.
  22
  — used to say that someone or something has an advantage
   She has three inches in height on me. [=she is three inches taller than I am]
   The team has a 3-game lead on last year's champions.
   She is very talented but has nothing on [=has no advantage over] her brother who is an even better singer.
  23 chiefly US
  — used to say that someone is playing or performing well
   He is on his game. [=he is playing very well]
  on about
    Brit    informal + disapproving   : talking about
    I haven't a clue what you're on about!
    She is always on about the importance of exercise.
  on at
    Brit    informal  
   1 : asking (someone) for something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
    She is always on at him for money.
   2 : asking or telling (someone) to do something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
    Mummy's always on at me about cleaning up my room!
  on it
   : actively dealing with a problem, job, etc.
    “We need to get this paperwork done.” “Don't worry; I'm on it.” [=I am taking care of it]
————————
II
  adv  
  1 a
  — used to indicate that something is attached to, covering, or supported by something else
   Put the lid on.
   I'll steady the horse while you get on.
   She put on her glasses to read the letter.
   Keep the tablecloth on.
  1 b
  — used to describe something that is being worn by someone
   He put on his coat and went outside.
   You can keep your shoes on.
   What did he have on? [=what was he wearing?]
   He had on a black shirt and jeans.
  2
  — used to indicate movement forward
   The car stopped and then drove on.
   We traveled on to the next town.
   The boys went on home.
  3 a
  — used to indicate that an activity, event, or condition continues
   The argument went on for weeks.
   He worked on without a break.
   Please read on for information about our products.
   The teams played on in the snow.
   She rambled on (and on) about her lazy husband.
   From now on [=from this point in time forward], be sure to double-check your answers.
   From here on (out), things should get easier. = From this point on, things should get easier.
  3 b : in an advanced state
   We're far/well on with/in our project.
  3 c : at a more advanced time : at a later time
   I'll come by to help you later on.
  4 : from one person or thing to another
   Pass the word/note on.
   The tradition has been passed/handed on [=down] through the years.
   Let's move/go on to the next point.
  5 a
  — used to indicate that something is operating, flowing, etc.
   He switched the light on to read.
   The lights came on.
   Turn the water/TV on.
  5 b
  — used to indicate that something is being heated, prepared, etc.
   I'll put the kettle/tea/coffee on (to boil). [=I will put the kettle/tea/coffee on the stove to make it warmer]
   I've got coffee on, if you're interested.
  6 : in or into a train, bus, etc.
   She got on at the last station.
  on and off — see off, 1
————————
III
  adj  
  1 not used before a noun : attached to or covering something
   The lid is on tight.
  2 not used before a noun : performing or speaking in public
   The band will be on in 10 minutes.
   Mr. President, you are on in two minutes. [=you will be giving your speech in two minutes]
  3 not used before a noun : working at a job
   He is on tomorrow from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
  4 a not used before a noun : operating or flowing
   The radio/water/electricity is on.
  4 b : in a position that starts the flow of electricity, water, etc.
   The switch is on.
   The lever is in the on position.
  5 not used before a noun
  5 a : taking place or happening
   The deal/game is on.
   (Brit) We do not have anything on [=planned] this weekend.
  5 b : doing something as planned
   Are we still on for dinner tomorrow? [=are we still having dinner tomorrow, as we planned to do?]
  6 not used before a noun : being broadcast on television or radio
   The show is on at 8 p.m.
   The game is on tonight.
   My favorite show is on.
  7 not used before a noun chiefly US
  — used to say that you are able to do something well at a particular time
   My golf game was off yesterday, but it/I was on today. [=I played well today]
  not on
    Brit    informal  
   1 : not acceptable or proper
    Cheating old ladies out of their savings just isn't on. [=is not acceptable]
   2 : not possible
    I'm afraid that scheme's just not on.
  you're on
    informal  
    — used to say that you accept a bet or challenge
    “I bet I can run faster than you can.” “OK, you're on.”