to be on

What does it mean?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by undeddy

What does it mean?

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Hi undeddy,

It's a phrase that means "to be at (or near) peak performance." For example, "Tiger Woods was on his game today."

Hi!

And what's its meaning in 'Are you on?'

Quote:

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Originally Posted by undeddy

Hi!

And what's its meaning in 'Are you on?'

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Hi undeddy,

That's a very open-ended question. If someone were to ask me that, I'd ask for clarification: "What, exactly, do you mean?"

"Are you on?" is asking a person if they are going to accept a challenge or bet I've just made.

In reply, the person would say, "You're on", said by way of accepting the challenge or bet.

Other meanings of 'to be on"

He is on drugs/I am on medication for my asthma.

"I'm on" is said by an actor when he hears his cue and must make his entrance on stage.
and
"You're on" would be said to the actor by someone backstage.

What film is on at the local cinema?

Who is on duty today?

So, if I want to ask someone, whether (s)he wants to join me in doing sth or participate in sth, I can ask 'Are you on?'

Quote:

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Originally Posted by undeddy

So, if I want to ask someone, whether (s)he wants to join me in doing sth or participate in sth, I can ask 'Are you on?'

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Are you on for the trip to the Baikal?

To be on has many meanings. My favourite TV show is hardly ever on these days, and that's just not on.

Hi, again

My friend proposes me to go, for instance, to a cafe. If I'm ready to visit it, can I say 'You're on!', meaning 'ok'?