Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Topic: THEATRE

on

2 adjective, adverb
     
on2 S1 W1 [not before noun]
1

continuing

used to say that someone continues to do something or something continues to happen, without stopping:
We decided to play on even though it was snowing.
He went on and on (=talked for a very long time) about his job all evening.
2

further

if you move, walk etc on, you move forward or further towards something:
If you walk on a little, you can see the coast.
We drove on towards Manchester.
3

later

later than or after a particular time:
Now, forty years on, this is one of the most successful theatres in the country.
From that moment on I never believed a word she said.
4

wearing something

if you have something on, you are wearing it:
All he had on was a pair of tattered shorts.
Put your coat on. It's freezing outside.
5

attached

used to say that something is attached to something else, especially when it is in the correct position [≠ off]:
Is the cover on properly?
Remember to put the lid back on.
6

written

used to say that something is written somewhere:
He was wearing a badge with his name on.
7TT

transport

in or into a bus, train etc [≠ off]:
The train stopped and two people got on.
8

light/machine

if a machine, light etc is on, it is operating [≠ off]:
Who left all the lights on?
The TV's on, but nobody seems to be watching it.
He sat down at the desk and switched on the computer.
9TCB

being broadcast

if a radio or television programme etc is on, it is being broadcast:
What time is 'Star Trek' on?
10

events

if an event is on, it has been arranged and is happening or will happen [≠ off]:
The transport union has confirmed that the strike is definitely on.
I'd avoid the city centre - there's some kind of procession on.
Is the party still on tonight or have they cancelled it?
11APT

performing/speaking

performing or speaking in public:
You're on in two minutes.
12

working

if you are on at a particular time, you are doing your job at that time:
I'm not on again until 2 o'clock tomorrow.
13

have something on

informal if you have something on, there is something that you must do:
I haven't got anything on tomorrow, so I could see you then.
We've got a lot on at the moment.
14

on and off

also off and on for short periods but not regularly over a long period of time:
He's been smoking for 10 years now, on and off.
15

be/go/keep on at somebody

informal to keep complaining to someone or asking someone to do something, especially when this annoys them:
I've been on at him to fix that cupboard for weeks now.
I wish you wouldn't go on at me the whole time!
16

be/go/keep on about something

British English informal to keep talking about something, in a way that is boring or annoying:
He's always going on about money.
I don't know what you're on about!
17

be not on

British English spoken if something is not on, it is not acceptable or reasonable:
I'm sorry, what you're suggesting is just not on!
18

be on for something

spoken to be ready or willing to do something that someone has suggested:
Right, how many of you are on for a drink after work?
19

you're on

spoken used tell someone that you accept a bet or an invitation to compete against them:
'I bet you £20 he won't turn up.' 'You're on!'
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