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  #1  
Old 22-Mar-2009, 16:29
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Default to be on

What does it mean?
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  #2  
Old 22-Mar-2009, 16:49
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Default Re: to be on

Quote:
Originally Posted by undeddy View Post
What does it mean?
Hi undeddy,

It's a phrase that means "to be at (or near) peak performance." For example, "Tiger Woods was on his game today."
  #3  
Old 22-Mar-2009, 17:27
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Default Re: to be on

Hi!

And what's its meaning in 'Are you on?'
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Old 22-Mar-2009, 18:27
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Default Re: to be on

Quote:
Originally Posted by undeddy View Post
Hi!

And what's its meaning in 'Are you on?'
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?"
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Old 22-Mar-2009, 20:01
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Default Re: to be on

"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.
  #6  
Old 22-Mar-2009, 20:19
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Default Re: to be on

What film is on at the local cinema?

Who is on duty today?
  #7  
Old 24-Mar-2009, 07:19
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Default Re: to be on

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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Old 24-Mar-2009, 10:33
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Default Re: to be on

Quote:
Originally Posted by undeddy View Post
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?'
Are you on for the trip to the Baikal?

Last edited by Clark; 24-Mar-2009 at 10:40.
  #9  
Old 25-Mar-2009, 03:27
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Default Re: to be on

To be on has many meanings. My favourite TV show is hardly ever on these days, and that's just not on.
  #10  
Old 22-Apr-2009, 15:33
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Default Re: to be 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'?
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