1473 expressions
on the brink of
What Does "on the brink of" Mean? What it expresses: This adverbial phrase expresses extent and imminence. It indicates that a subject is at the extreme edge of a significant transition, usually a ma...
on the contrary
What Does "on the contrary" Mean? Grammatical function: It expresses direct contrast or opposition to a preceding statement. It indicates that what follows is the opposite of what was previously said...
on the cusp of
What Does "on the cusp of" Mean? The idiomatic expression "on the cusp of" means being at or very near a transitional point. It suggests that something new, important, or transformative is about to ha...
on the face of it
What Does "on the face of it" Mean? It expresses a degree of apparent truth or likelihood based on initial observation or limited information. It typically modifies the whole clause or proposition t...
on the fence
What Does "on the fence" Mean? Idiomatic meaning: To be "on the fence" means to be undecided or uncommitted regarding two or more options. It evokes the image of someone sitting atop a boundary, neit...
on the grounds that
What Does "on the grounds that" Mean? Grammatical function: This expression serves as a compound conjunction that introduces a causal relationship. Specifically, it provides a justification, reason, ...
on the one hand
What Does "on the one hand" Mean? Grammatical function: contrast; introduces the first element in a comparison or presentation of opposing arguments. Typical sentence position: initial Register: ne...
on the other hand
What Does "on the other hand" Mean? Grammatical function: contrast Typical sentence position: initial / medial Register: neutral How to Use It Syntactic patterns: It is followed by a clause that p...
on the pretext of
What Does "on the pretext of" Mean? Grammatical function: It expresses a contrast between the stated reason and the actual reason for an action. It implies deception or insincerity. Typical sentence...
on the understanding that
What Does "on the understanding that" Mean? Grammatical function: It expresses a condition or stipulation upon which an agreement, action, or decision is based. It indicates that something is accepte...
on the verge of
What Does "on the verge of" Mean? The collocation "on the verge of" means very close to experiencing, doing, or becoming something. It suggests a state of being at the threshold of a significant chan...
on the whole
What Does "on the whole" Mean? What it expresses: It is a sentence adverb used to indicate extent and generalization. It signals that the speaker is considering all aspects of a situation to form a b...
on this understanding
What Does "on this understanding" Mean? Grammatical function: It expresses a condition or premise upon which the following statement is based. It establishes a shared agreement or interpretation. It ...
on top of that
What Does "on top of that" Mean? Grammatical function: It primarily functions as a conjunctive adverb or transition phrase expressing addition. It is used to introduce an extra piece of information, ...
once in a blue moon
What Does "once in a blue moon" Mean? Idiomatic meaning: The phrase is used to describe an event that happens very rarely or infrequently. It conveys a sense of exceptionality or an unusual occurrenc...
optimal approach to
What Does "optimal approach to" Mean? Meaning of the collocation or phrasal verb The collocation "optimal approach to" signifies the most effective or bestsuited method for addressing a specific prob...
originally
What Does "originally" Mean? What it expresses: "Originally" is an adverb of time and sequence. It indicates the initial state, the first instance of something, or the source from which something aro...
otherwise
What Does "otherwise" Mean? Grammatical function: "Otherwise" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverb to indicate a negative condition or consequence (meaning "if not" or "else"). It also acts as...
out of sight, out of mind
What Does "out of sight, out of mind" Mean? The idiomatic meaning of "out of sight, out of mind" is that something or someone that is not present or visible is easily forgotten or no longer given muc...
out of the blue
What Does "out of the blue" Mean? The idiom out of the blue is used to describe something that happens unexpectedly, suddenly, or without any prior warning. When an event occurs "out of the blue," the...