10 IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN ENGLISH THAT BEGIN WITH 'ON' (PART 1)|| LEARN ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS

Hi everyone! This is RB. It is the first write-up of the series, ‘Idiomatic Expressions’. Today, we will deal with those English expressions that begin with ‘on’. 

The first expression we are going to learn today is ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH (THINKING IN THE SAME MANNER AS SOMEONE ELSE).

For example, 

My brother and I are on the same wavelength about how to decorate our aquarium.

2. ON THE ROPES (NOT DOING WELL AND LIKELY TO FAIL)           For example,  

Their business is 

on the ropes. 

                                                   

3. ON THE SIDE (IN ADDITION TO YOUR MAIN JOB).

For example, 

He makes a little money on the side by making videos on YouTube. 

4. ON THE RECEIVING END OF SOMETHING: 

When you suffer from unpleasant events without really doing anything wrong, you are on the receiving end of it. It implies you do not deserve it. 

For example, 

Although, Rita was the one who insulted the Chairman, it was her brother who was on the receiving end of it. He wasn’t promoted. 

5. ON SPEAKING TERMS: FRIENDLY ENOUGH TO TALK TO EACH OTHER

For example,

Ravi and Priya were never close friends. But, they are on speaking terms. 

6. ON PAPER

(judging something based on how it has been planned rather than its execution)

For example, 

Some rules look good on paper.

Then,

The candidates appeared suitable on paper but failed the interview.

7. ON THE CONTRARY

(IN TRUTH, THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE.)

For example, 

The number of criminal acts has not reduced. On the contrary, it seems to be becoming worse than what it was a year ago. 

8. ON THE GO: It can be used to mean two things.

If you say “You have been on the go throughout the day”, it would mean “You were busy all day”.

However, ‘on the go’ can also refer to an ongoing process (which hasn’t yet finished). 

So, if you say ‘She has got a new book on the go’, it would mean 'she is writing a book'. 

9. ON THE BACK OF SOMETHING: SUCCESS AS A RESULT OF AN EARLIER SUCCESS

For example,

SHE RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP ON THE BACK OF HER BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE IN THE EXAMINATION.

10. ON THE FENCE: WHEN YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DECIDE SOMETHING

For example,

Her parents are still on the fence, waiting for a less expensive TV to come along.

So long!