ON SOMEONE Meaning and
Definition
-
The phrase "on someone" is a colloquial expression that typically refers to an individual taking responsibility or assuming accountability for a particular situation or task. It implies that the mentioned responsibility or burden rests solely or primarily upon the person mentioned.
In this context, "on someone" emphasizes the idea of obligation or duty falling specifically on an individual, often without external assistance or shared responsibility. It suggests that the person mentioned is expected to take charge, make decisions, or provide solutions for a given matter.
The phrase can also depict a person being charged or held accountable for certain actions or events. It implies that the consequences or blame are attributed directly to the individual in question. Additionally, when used in a legal or moral sense, it can imply that someone is responsible for compensating or rectifying a situation that has caused harm or loss to another person.
Furthermore, "on someone" can connote a sense of reliance or dependence. In specific contexts, it may imply someone relying on another for emotional support, financial assistance, or guidance.
Overall, the phrase "on someone" signifies a heightened level of individual responsibility or burden, wherein someone is expected to take charge, be accountable, or provide assistance without significant external aid.
Common Misspellings for ON SOMEONE
- in someone
- kn someone
- ln someone
- pn someone
- 0n someone
- 9n someone
- ob someone
- om someone
- oj someone
- oh someone
- on aomeone
- on zomeone
- on xomeone
- on domeone
- on eomeone
- on womeone
- on simeone
- on skmeone
- on slmeone
- on spmeone
- onsomeone
Etymology of ON SOMEONE
The phrase "on someone" is not a stand-alone word; it is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is physically or metaphorically resting or dependent on someone. Therefore, it does not have a distinct etymology. However, the individual components of the phrase do have their own etymologies:
1. "On" is a preposition that dates back to Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic root *ana, meaning "on, onto". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European *h₂en-, meaning "in" or "on".
2. "Someone" is a compound word formed by merging the Old English words "some" and "one".
Idioms with the word ON SOMEONE
-
ride on someone's/something's coat-tails
To benefit or succeed as a result of someone else's efforts or achievements, without making much effort oneself.
-
crack down (on someone or something)
To take strong action in order to stop or control a particular activity or behavior.
-
put the make on someone
To put the make on someone means to flirt with or make romantic advances towards someone in a bold or aggressive manner.
-
chew on someone or something
To think about or consider someone or something carefully or deeply.
-
hang on someone's words
To pay close attention to someone's words or ideas; to listen carefully and give someone your full attention.
-
let up (on someone or something)
The idiom "let up (on someone or something)" means to lessen the intensity, pressure, or criticism directed towards someone or something. It can also mean to relax or ease up on a particular person or situation.
-
ride herd on someone/something
To closely supervise or monitor someone or something, often in a strict or controlling manner.
-
impress something (up)on someone
To impress something (up)on someone means to make a strong and lasting impact or influence on someone's mind or memory. It can also refer to repeatedly stating or teaching something to someone in order to ensure they understand or remember it.
-
*jump on someone
To criticize or blame someone harshly and quickly; to confront or attack someone aggressively.
-
ease off (on someone or something)
To reduce the pressure, intensity, or harshness towards someone or something.
-
spill one’s guts on someone
To reveal or confess everything, especially personal thoughts or feelings, to someone in a very open and honest way.
-
come down on someone like a ton of bricks
To severely criticize or punish someone in a harsh or forceful manner.
-
drop a bundle on someone
To spend a large amount of money on someone or something.
-
jar on someone or something
To annoy or irritate someone or something.
-
*tough on someone
The idiom "tough on someone" means to be harsh or unsympathetic towards someone, especially when dealing with them in a strict or severe manner.
-
enforce something on someone
"To enforce something on someone" means to make someone comply with a rule, regulation, or decision even if they do not want to do so. It often involves using power or authority to ensure that the person follows the requirement or directive.
-
on someone's watch
On someone's watch means during the time that someone is in charge or responsible for something. It can refer to a specific period of time or a particular situation where someone is accountable for the outcomes or events that occur.
-
goof on someone
To tease, prank, or play a joke on someone in a light-hearted or good-natured way.
-
blame something on someone
To blame something on someone means to hold that person responsible for a mistake, problem, or wrongdoing, even if they may not be actually at fault.
-
have an effect on someone or something
To have an effect on someone or something means to influence or impact them in some way, causing a change or reaction.
-
have designs on someone
To have designs on someone means to have romantic or amorous intentions toward them; to be interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with them.
-
fink out (on someone or something)
To fail to fulfill a promise, commitment, or obligation to someone or something; to betray or abandon someone or something.
-
beat up on someone
To criticize, attack, or treat harshly or unfairly towards someone.
-
fake on someone
To deceive or betray someone by pretending to be trustworthy or genuine.
-
go green on someone
To suddenly become angry or upset with someone; to turn against someone.
-
You can bet the farm (on someone or something).
The idiom "You can bet the farm (on someone or something)" means you can be very sure and confident that someone or something will be successful or reliable. It implies a high level of trust and certainty in the outcome.
-
base something (up)on someone or something
To base something (up)on someone or something means to derive inspiration, ideas, or information from a particular person or thing in order to create or develop something new. It involves using the existing knowledge or characteristics of the person or thing as a foundation for the creation of something else.
-
all eyes are on someone/something
The idiom "all eyes are on someone/something" means that everyone is paying attention to or looking at a particular person or thing. It suggests that someone or something has attracted a lot of interest or scrutiny.
-
on someone's person
The idiom "on someone's person" means something that someone is carrying or has with them physically, typically referring to personal belongings or items that are being carried in pockets, bags, or on their body.
-
inform on someone
To inform on someone means to report or give information about someone's unlawful or dishonest actions to authorities or other relevant parties.
-
gamble on someone or something
To take a risk or chance on someone or something, especially when the outcome is uncertain or risky.
-
do a number on someone
To do a number on someone means to deceive, manipulate, or mistreat them in a skillful or effective manner. It can also refer to causing emotional or psychological harm to someone.
-
hang something on someone or something
To attribute blame or responsibility to someone or something.
-
feed (up)on someone or something
To take advantage of or draw sustenance from someone or something, often in a parasitic or exploitative manner.
-
heap coals of fire on someone's head
To "heap coals of fire on someone's head" is an idiom that means to treat someone with kindness or generosity, especially after they have done something wrong or hurtful to you. It comes from a biblical reference in Proverbs 25:22-23, where it is advised to repay your enemy's evil with kindness, as it will make them feel ashamed and possibly bring about reconciliation.
-
do a snow job on someone
To deceive or manipulate someone by presenting false information or promises in a persuasive manner.
-
fix (up)on someone or something
To focus or decide on someone or something, often in a determined or unwavering manner.
-
bite on someone
The idiom "bite on someone" means to hold a grudge or be angry at someone for something they did or said. It suggests that the person is harboring negative feelings or resentment towards the other person.
-
flash on someone
To have a sudden or unexpected strong feeling or thought about someone.
-
burst (up)on someone
To suddenly appear or enter someone's presence, often unexpectedly and with a lot of energy or excitement.
-
get a line on someone
To "get a line on someone" means to gather information or obtain knowledge about someone, especially their character, behavior, or intentions.
-
make an impression on someone
To make an impression on someone means to have a noticeable or significant impact on that person, usually in a positive way that leaves a lasting memory or influence.
-
call (up)on someone (to do something)
To request or ask someone to do something, or to invite someone to contribute or participate in a particular activity or task.
-
not lay a finger on someone
The idiom "not lay a finger on someone" means to not physically harm or touch someone.
-
grow on someone
To gradually become more liked or appreciated by someone over time.
-
bang on someone or something
To criticize or complain about someone or something in a forceful or vehement manner.
-
bet something on someone or something
To bet something on someone or something is to trust or have confidence in them to succeed, often to the point of risking something valuable.
-
hooked (on someone/something)
To be addicted or obsessed with someone or something, often in a negative or unhealthy way.
-
double back (on someone or something)
To go back on a decision, promise, or commitment that was previously made, often leaving someone feeling betrayed or disappointed.
-
focus on someone or something
To give all of one's attention and energy to a particular person or thing, often to the exclusion of everything else.
-
be on someone's head
When someone's actions or behavior are causing problems or difficulties for another person, they are said to be "on someone's head." This idiom implies that the consequences or responsibilities of their actions are directly affecting the other person, usually in a negative way.
-
keen on someone or something
To be interested in or enthusiastic about someone or something.
-
hang something on someone
To blame or accuse someone of something, often unfairly or without sufficient evidence.
-
drop in (on someone)
To visit someone unexpectedly or without an invitation.
-
chisel in (on someone/something)
To intrude or interfere in someone's affairs or to become involved in a situation without being asked or wanted.
-
put the arm on someone
To put the arm on someone means to pressure or persuade someone into doing something, usually in a forceful or intimidating way. It can also refer to asking someone for money.
-
lean back (on someone or something)
To rely on someone or something for support, help, or assistance.
-
hard on someone
To be tough, critical, or unsympathetic towards someone.
-
keep a tight rein on someone/something
To have strict control over someone or something.
-
bear down (on someone or something)
The idiom "bear down (on someone or something)" means to focus intensely on a task or put in extra effort in order to achieve a goal, often with a sense of determination and concentration.
-
get down on someone
To criticize, belittle, or express disapproval or disappointment towards someone.
-
go off on someone
The idiom "go off on someone" refers to becoming angry or showing strong emotion towards someone, often in a sudden or unexpected manner.
-
reflect (back) (up)on someone or something
To think deeply or carefully about someone or something, often in a thoughtful or introspective way.
-
creep up on someone or something
To advance stealthily or gradually towards someone or something, typically causing surprise or unease.
-
crowd in (on someone or something)
The definition of the idiom "crowd in (on someone or something)" is to gather closely around someone or something, often in a way that is uncomfortable or overwhelming. It can also refer to a situation where too many people are trying to be involved in something, leading to chaos or disorder.
-
keep tab(s) (on someone or something)
To keep tab(s) on someone or something means to monitor or keep track of their actions, behavior, or progress in order to stay informed or updated.
-
put hair on someone's chest
The idiom "put hair on someone's chest" is used to describe something that is perceived as making a person stronger, tougher, or more mature. It implies that the experience or action in question would have a positive effect on the individual, similar to the idea that growing hair on the chest is a sign of masculinity and strength.
-
on someone's mind
If something is "on someone's mind," it means that they are thinking about it or it is preoccupying their thoughts.
-
lay a guilt trip on someone
To lay a guilt trip on someone means to make them feel guilty or responsible for a particular situation, usually through manipulation or emotional pressure.
-
lay the blame (for something) on someone
To accuse or assign responsibility for a mistake, problem, or negative outcome to someone else.
-
impinge (up)on someone or something
To have a noticeable and usually unwanted effect on someone or something, to encroach upon or intrude upon someone or something.
-
hold up (on someone or something)
To delay or pause progress on someone or something.
-
bail on someone
To bail on someone means to abandon, ditch, or leave someone in a difficult situation, often without warning or explanation.
-
put the blame on someone or something
To assign responsibility or fault to someone or something for a particular mistake or problem.
-
turn up the heat on someone
To increase pressure on someone or push them to work harder or faster, often implying a sense of urgency or intensity.
-
hammer on someone or something
To persistently criticize or attack someone or something relentlessly.
-
die on someone
The idiom "die on someone" means to leave someone in a difficult or embarrassing situation by failing to provide the expected or promised support or assistance. It can also refer to failing to fulfill a commitment or promise when someone is relying on you.
-
there are no flies on someone
The idiom "there are no flies on someone" is used to describe a person who is quick-witted, intelligent, alert, or sharp, and therefore not easily fooled or misled. It implies that the person is astute and observant, always on top of things and not easily taken advantage of.
-
lay a trip on someone
"Lay a trip on someone" is an idiom that means to criticize, blame, or manipulate someone in a forceful or controlling way.
-
be mad keen (on someone or something)
To be very enthusiastic or passionate about someone or something.
-
impose (up)on someone
To impose (up)on someone means to take advantage of someone's kindness or hospitality, often by asking for favors or help without considering their feelings or inconvenience.
-
put a con on someone
To deceive or trick someone in order to gain an advantage or benefit.
-
fall (up)on someone or something
To attack or criticize someone or something fiercely and without mercy, to blame or punish someone harshly.
-
bail out on someone
To bail out on someone means to abandon or leave someone in a difficult situation, often without warning or assistance.
-
land (up)on someone or something
If something "lands (up)on someone or something," it means to suddenly befall or come upon them unexpectedly.
-
bring someone up-to-date (on someone or something)
To provide someone with the most current or recent information about a person or situation.
-
a price on someone's head
The idiom "a price on someone's head" means that someone is being hunted or sought after, typically for a reward or bounty.
-
* about-face (on someone or something)
An abrupt or complete change in opinion, attitude, or direction, especially concerning someone or something.
-
crap out (of something) (on someone)
To fail to fulfill a commitment or obligation to someone; to disappoint or let someone down.
-
backfire on someone
When a plan or action that was intended for a positive outcome ends up causing harm or negative consequences to the person who put it into motion.
-
fawn (up)on someone
The idiom "fawn (up)on someone" means to excessively praise, flatter, or admire someone in order to gain favor or approval from them. It can also imply being overly submissive or obsequious towards someone in a way that is insincere or manipulative.
-
home in (on someone or something)
To direct all attention or resources towards someone or something, usually with the intention of focusing on or approaching a target or goal.
-
hang up on someone
To abruptly end a phone conversation or communication with someone without warning or explanation.
-
fortune smiles (up)on someone
When "fortune smiles (up)on someone," it means that someone is experiencing good luck or favorable circumstances.
-
put a contract out on someone
To put a contract out on someone means to pay someone to kill that person.
-
light (up)on someone or something
To suddenly notice or come across someone or something, often by chance or accident.
-
take a firm grip on someone or something
To take a firm grip on someone or something means to assert control or authority over them, or to become firmly committed or deeply involved with them.
-
get a jump on someone/something
To get a jump on someone/something means to start or act sooner than another person or thing in order to gain an advantage or head start.
-
flash on someone or something
To suddenly remember or have a brief moment of insight or realization about someone or something.
-
blow the whistle on someone/something
To "blow the whistle on someone/something" means to expose or report someone or something's wrongdoing or misconduct. It refers to the act of alerting authorities or the public to illegal or unethical behavior in order to stop it.
-
on someone's coattails
To benefit from someone else's success or reputation without making any effort oneself.
-
count on someone or something
To rely on someone or something; to trust that someone will be there to help or support you when needed.
-
on someone's back
The idiom "on someone's back" refers to constantly criticizing or nagging someone, or putting pressure on them to do something. This can also imply being a burden to someone or constantly demanding their attention.
-
put the screws on someone
To put the screws on someone means to exert pressure or force on them to get them to comply with your demands or requests, often in a forceful or intimidating manner. It is a way of applying pressure to someone in order to persuade or manipulate them into doing something.
-
get on someone's nerves
To annoy or irritate someone.
-
dig some dirt up (on someone)
To gather information or uncover secrets or damaging information about someone.
-
focus something on someone or something
To concentrate or direct attention or energy on a specific person or thing.
-
keep a firm grip on someone or something
To have control over someone or something and not allow them to escape or get away.
-
get on someone
To bother or annoy someone, to provoke a reaction from someone.
-
frown on someone or something
The idiom "frown on someone or something" means to disapprove of or not approve of someone or something. It suggests a negative judgment or perception towards a person or thing.
-
*down on someone or something
To have a negative opinion or attitude towards someone or something; to disapprove or be critical.
-
draw on someone or something
To use or rely on someone or something for support, guidance, or assistance.
-
lay something on someone or something
To apply or impose a burden, responsibility, or blame on someone or something.
-
fire (up)on someone or something
To discharge a weapon at someone or something, typically with the intent to harm or kill.
-
rivet one's gaze on someone or something
To stare fixedly at someone or something without looking away, often out of intense interest, fascination, or concentration.
-
drop something on someone
To unexpectedly reveal or inform someone of something, usually unpleasant or unwelcome, often causing distress or surprise.
-
pass judgment (on someone or something)
To form an opinion or evaluate someone or something, typically in a critical or negative way.
-
ease up (on someone or something)
To become less strict or severe in one's treatment or demands towards someone or something.
-
dump on someone/something
To unfairly criticize or blame someone or something, often in a harsh or relentless manner.
-
dis on someone
To "dis on someone" means to speak disrespectfully about or criticize someone. It is a slang term used to describe insulting or belittling someone.
-
happen (up)on someone or something
To come across or discover someone or something unexpectedly or by chance.
-
put the bite on someone
To put the bite on someone means to ask or demand money from someone, especially in a forceful or aggressive way. It can also refer to requesting a favor or concession from someone.
-
keep one's eye on someone or something
To pay attention to or watch someone or something closely and continuously.
-
fill someone in (on someone or something)
To inform someone about someone or something by providing them with all the necessary details or information.
-
lay something on someone
To blame or burden someone else with a responsibility or task.
-
come down (hard) (on someone or something)
To deal with someone or something severely, firmly, or harshly; to punish or reprimand heavily or firmly.
-
*last laugh (on someone)
To have the final victory or success after being initially defeated or ridiculed by someone.
-
lean on someone
To rely on someone for help, support, or guidance.
-
keep an eye on someone or something
To watch or monitor someone or something closely and regularly.
-
keep one's mind on someone or something
To focus one's thoughts or attention on a particular person or thing.
-
alight (up)on someone or something
To suddenly notice or focus on someone or something; to come upon or discover someone or something unintentionally.
-
dump something on someone
To dump something on someone means to burden them with a responsibility or problem that is typically unpleasant or difficult to deal with. It can also refer to figuratively unloading one's troubles or emotions onto another person without warning or consideration for their own feelings.
-
concur on someone or something (with someone)
To agree with someone or come to a mutual understanding or decision regarding a person or thing.
-
impose something (up)on someone
To impose something (up)on someone means to force someone to accept or deal with something, typically something unwelcome or burdensome.
-
on someone's lips
If something is "on someone's lips," it means that it is often being talked about or is a topic of conversation for that person. It suggests that the subject is of particular interest or importance to them at that time.
-
bestow something on someone
The idiom "bestow something on someone" means to give or present something to someone as a gift, honor, or privilege. It is often used in formal contexts to describe the act of granting or conferring a particular benefit or favor on someone.
-
on someone's head
The phrase "on someone's head" typically means that someone is responsible for something, often in a negative way, or is facing consequences for their actions. It can also refer to something physically being positioned on top of someone's head.
-
put the chill on someone
To put the chill on someone means to intimidate or scare someone, causing them to feel uneasy or afraid. It can also refer to making someone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
-
grate on someone('s nerves)
To irritate or annoy someone with continual or repetitive actions or behavior.
-
do a dump on someone/something
To criticize or speak negatively about someone or something in a harsh or unkind manner.
-
chisel in (on someone or something)
The idiom "chisel in (on someone or something)" means to intrude or interfere with someone or something without being invited or welcomed, often in a deceitful or manipulative manner.
-
lower the boom on someone
To reprimand or punish someone severely; to take decisive action against someone.
-
lay some sweet lines on someone
To flirt or charm someone by speaking in a smooth and persuasive manner.
-
advise someone on someone or something
To give recommendations or guidance to someone regarding a particular person or subject.
-
draw a bead on someone/something
To aim or focus on someone or something either physically or figuratively.
-
avenge oneself (on someone or something) (for something)
To take revenge or seek retribution on someone or something for a perceived wrongdoing or harm done to oneself.
-
agree (up)on someone or something
To come to a mutual understanding or decision about a person or situation by reaching a consensus or compromise.
-
bag on someone
To criticize or make fun of someone, usually in a harsh or unfair way.
-
leave an impression (on someone)
To leave an impression on someone means to have a strong or lasting effect on them, usually in terms of how they perceive or remember you.
-
concentrate (up)on someone or something
To focus all of one's attention, energy, or effort on a particular person or thing.
-
bust on someone/something
To "bust on someone/something" means to make fun of or mock someone or something in a light-hearted or playful manner. It usually involves joking or teasing in a friendly way.
-
inform someone on someone
To tell someone about another person, usually to provide information or updates about that person.
-
kick-ass on someone
To defeat or outperform someone in a particularly impressive or forceful manner.
-
groove on someone or something
To greatly enjoy or feel a strong liking or admiration for someone or something.
-
*a hold on someone a strong
To have a hold on someone strong means to have a significant influence or control over them. It refers to the power or ability to manipulate or guide someone's actions or decisions.
-
decide (up)on someone or something
To choose someone or something from a number of alternatives; to make a decision or settle on a particular option.
-
compromise on someone or something (with someone)
To reach an agreement with someone by making concessions on certain aspects of a situation in order to satisfy both parties.
-
intrude (up)on someone or something
To intrude (up)on someone or something means to disturb or interrupt someone or something in a way that is unwelcome or inappropriate.
-
dump on someone
To unfairly criticize or blame someone, usually in a harsh or unkind way.
-
have a down on someone/something
To have a down on someone/something means to have a strong dislike or negative attitude towards them/it.
-
on someone's account
If something is done on someone's account, it means that it is done because of or for their benefit or because of something they have said or done.
-
dawn (up)on someone
To suddenly understand or realize something; to have a comprehension or insight into a situation or problem.
-
fall down on someone or something
To fail to meet expectations or responsibilities; to not fulfill a promise or obligation.
-
put the finger on someone
To put the finger on someone means to accuse or blame someone for something they did wrong. It is often used in a legal context to indicate that someone has been identified as the guilty party.
-
jump on someone or something
To quickly criticize, attack, or confront someone or something.
-
on someone's plate
If something is "on someone's plate," it means that they are responsible for dealing with or managing the task or situation. It can refer to someone being busy with their own responsibilities or burdened with certain obligations.
-
grate on someone
To irritate, annoy, or frustrate someone over time.
-
put the clamps on someone/something
To exert control or put restrictions on someone or something; to halt or limit their activities.
-
glare down on someone or something
To look at or stare at someone or something in a disapproving or hostile way, often with intensity or anger.
-
place the blame on someone or something (for something)
To place the blame on someone or something means to assign responsibility or fault to that person or thing for a particular action or event.
-
death on someone/something
"Death on someone/something" is an idiom used to describe extreme dislike or hatred towards a particular person or thing. It suggests a strong feeling of animosity or aversion towards the subject.
-
open (up) a can of whoop ass (on someone)
To react aggressively or violently towards someone; to physically or verbally attack someone.
-
butt in (on someone or something)
To intrude or interfere in someone's business or conversation without being invited or wanted.
-
cheat on someone
To be unfaithful or disloyal in a romantic relationship by secretly seeing or being intimate with someone else.
-
dish on someone
To "dish on someone" means to share negative or scandalous information about someone, especially in a gossipy or sly manner.
-
chance (up)on someone or something
To chance upon someone or something means to unexpectedly discover or come across someone or something by accident or by coincidence.
-
descend (up)on someone or something
To appear suddenly and in great numbers, often with a negative or overwhelming impact, upon someone or something.
-
on someone's tail
If you are "on someone's tail," you are following or chasing them closely, usually in an effort to catch or apprehend them. It can also be used figuratively to describe closely monitoring or pursuing someone or something in order to keep track of their activities or progress.
-
confer on someone or something (with someone)
To discuss or consult with someone about a particular person or thing in order to make a decision or come to an agreement.
-
gain on someone or something
The idiom "gain on someone or something" means to move closer to catching up to someone or something, often in a race or competition. It can also refer to making progress or achieving success at a faster rate than before.
-
impact (up)on someone or something
The idiom "impact (up)on someone or something" means to have a significant effect or influence on someone or something. It can refer to any kind of influence, whether positive or negative, that has a noticeable effect on a person, situation, or thing.
-
hold off (on someone or something)
To delay taking action against someone or something; to postpone or refrain from making a decision or taking action.
-
have a downer on someone/something
To have a downer on someone/something means to have a negative attitude towards them/it, to consistently dislike or criticize them/it.
-
get a fix on someone/something
To "get a fix on someone/something" means to determine or establish the exact location, position, or information about someone or something. It can also refer to gaining a better understanding or clear perception of a person or situation.
-
center something on someone or something
To focus or prioritize something around a particular person or thing; to make someone or something the main subject or point of interest.
-
jury is still out (on someone or something)
The idiom "jury is still out (on someone or something)" means that a final decision or judgment has not been made about someone or something, as the outcome or opinion is still unclear or undecided.
-
be on someone's case
To constantly criticize, annoy, or nag someone about their behavior or actions.
-
come (up)on someone or something
To unexpectedly encounter or find someone or something.
-
go easy on someone
To be gentle, lenient, or forgiving towards someone; to not be too harsh or strict in dealing with them.
-
hold forth (on someone or something)
To talk in a confident and long-winded manner about someone or something, often expressing strong opinions or giving a speech or lecture.
-
fall (up)on someone
To criticize or blame someone for something, often unfairly or harshly.
-
concentrate something on someone or something
To focus all one's attention, effort, or resources on a particular person or thing.
-
eavesdrop on someone
To eavesdrop on someone means to secretly listen to someone's private conversation or activities without their knowledge or consent.
-
bring something on someone
To cause someone to experience or deal with something negative or difficult.
-
encroach (up)on someone or something
To encroach (up)on someone or something means to intrude, trespass, or trespass upon someone's territory, space, or rights without permission or authority.
-
bank on someone
To "bank on someone" means to rely or depend on that person for support, help, or assistance. It suggests trust and confidence in the abilities or reliability of that individual.
-
a drag on someone
When someone or something is described as "a drag on someone," it means that they are a burden or hindrance to that person. They slow them down or prevent them from moving forward easily.
-
lighten up (on someone or something)
To be less critical or strict towards someone or something; to relax or ease up on expectations or demands.
-
give up (on someone or something)
To stop trying to achieve something or to stop believing that someone will improve or change for the better.
-
pull a fast one (on someone)
To deceive or trick someone in a clever or sneaky way.
-
be on someone's back
To be constantly nagging or criticizing someone; to be persistently monitoring or pressuring someone.
-
play on someone's heartstrings
To play on someone's heartstrings means to manipulate or exploit their emotions, usually in a way that evokes pity, sympathy, or other strong feelings.
-
cast aspersions on someone
To cast aspersions on someone means to criticize or speak negatively about them, often without evidence or justification.
-
ride on someone's coattails
To benefit from someone else's success or achievements without actually contributing anything oneself.
-
lay a (heavy) trip on someone
To put pressure or burden on someone, particularly through manipulation or emotional tactics.
-
beat on someone or something
To continually hit, strike, or physically harm someone or something.
-
put the freeze on someone
To put the freeze on someone means to intimidate or scare them, usually to prevent them from doing something or to assert control over them.
-
gang up (on someone)
The idiom "gang up (on someone)" means to come together as a group in order to attack, criticize, or oppose someone. It often implies that the person being targeted is outnumbered or overwhelmed by the group.
-
put the clamps on someone or something
To put the clamps on someone or something means to place restrictions or limitations on them, typically to prevent them from taking a certain action or behaving in a certain way. It can also mean to exert control or authority over someone or something in a forceful or restrictive manner.
-
put the heat on someone
To put the heat on someone means to apply pressure or intense scrutiny on someone in order to make them do something, confess a wrongdoing, or perform better.
-
lavish something (up)on someone
To lavishly and generously give or provide something to someone, often in excess or in abundance.
-
advance (up)on someone or something
To move forward or approach someone or something aggressively or menacingly, typically with the intention of attacking or confronting them in some way.
-
keep tabs on someone/something
To keep tabs on someone/something means to monitor or keep a close watch on their actions, movements, or progress.
-
put the brakes on someone
To slow down or stop someone's progress or actions; to prevent someone from moving forward or making further progress.
-
foist someone or something off (on someone or something)
The definition of this idiom is to pass off someone or something unwanted onto someone else, often in a deceptive or manipulative way.
-
get something on someone
To obtain incriminating or damaging information about someone, typically in order to have leverage or influence over them.
-
fritter something away (on someone or something)
To waste or squander something, such as time, money, or resources, on someone or something of little value or importance.
-
come down hard on someone
To come down hard on someone means to reprimand or punish someone severely or forcefully.
-
get the drop on someone
To have an advantage over someone by being in a position to surprise or outmaneuver them.
-
do a job on someone/something
To "do a job on someone/something" means to harm, damage, destroy, or manipulate someone or something in some way. It can also refer to performing a task or completing a job, often underhandedly or deceptively.
-
sit in judgment (up)on someone or something
To form an opinion or give a verdict about someone or something, usually in a negative or critical way. It implies making a judgement or assessment of a person's actions or behavior.
-
do a job on someone
To harm or deceive someone for personal gain or satisfaction.
-
gaze on someone or something
To look at someone or something with intense and prolonged attention or admiration.
-
hung up (on someone or something)
To be emotionally or mentally fixated on someone or something, often resulting in an inability to focus on other aspects of life.
-
fink on someone
To "fink on someone" means to inform on them or betray their trust by revealing their secrets or wrongdoings to someone else, especially to authority figures or against their wishes.
-
fasten (up)on someone or something
To focus on or pay close attention to someone or something, or to become fixated on them.
-
fink out (on someone/something)
To betray or let down someone or something at the last minute; fail to follow through on a promise or commitment.
-
on someone's coat-tails
The idiom "on someone's coat-tails" refers to benefiting or being successful because of someone else's achievements or influence. It implies that one is riding on the success of another person without putting in their own effort or work.
-
call (up)on someone
To ask or demand someone to do something or take action.
-
step on someone's toes
To "step on someone's toes" means to offend or upset someone by encroaching on their territory, rights, or authority. It is often used to describe someone who unintentionally interferes with or causes irritation to another person.
-
father something on someone
To attribute or blame something on someone, usually unfairly or unjustly.
-
cry on someone's shoulder
To seek emotional support or comfort from someone by confiding in them or expressing one's feelings and troubles to them.
-
get an eyeball on someone/something
To get an eyeball on someone/something means to see or observe someone or something, usually in order to gather information or keep track of their actions.
-
pin something on someone
To falsely or wrongly attribute blame or responsibility for something to someone.
-
the joke is on someone
This idiom means that someone has been fooled or made to look foolish without realizing it, often as a result of their own actions or words.
-
hit on someone
To hit on someone means to flirt or make advances towards someone in a romantic or sexual way.
-
put the kibosh on someone or something
To put the kibosh on someone or something means to put an end to or stop it, to prevent it from happening or continuing.
-
have an impact on someone or something
To have an impact on someone or something means to have a noticeable effect or influence on them, typically resulting in a significant change or outcome.
-
take a bead on someone/something
To take a bead on someone or something means to carefully aim or focus one's attention on a target or objective. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone focusing intently on a person or situation to understand it better or form a clear plan of action.
-
confer something (up)on someone
To confer something (up)on someone means to grant or bestow a particular honor, privilege, or advantage upon that person.
-
get your hands on someone
To get your hands on someone means to make physical contact with them, often with the intention of harming or punishing them.
-
put out (some) feelers (on someone or something)
To make subtle inquiries or gather information about someone or something in order to gauge interest or gather more information before taking action.
-
groove on someone/something
To really enjoy or be very enthusiastic about someone or something; to admire or appreciate someone or something greatly.
-
on someone's hands
If something is on someone's hands, it means they are responsible for it or they have to deal with it.
-
call on someone
To ask or request someone to speak, perform a task, or take action in a public setting or meeting.
-
lash down on someone or something
To criticize, reprimand, or express anger towards someone or something harshly and severely.
-
do a job on someone From do a number on something.
To "do a job on someone" means to treat someone unfairly or harshly, causing harm or difficulty for them. It can also mean to deceive or manipulate someone in a negative way.
-
keep on someone
To constantly monitor or be attentive to someone, often in a critical or judgmental manner.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
