be on

English

Verb

be on (third-person singular simple present is on, present participle being on, simple past was on, past participle been on)

1. (UK, transitive, literally) To be ranked at (something), based on polling.

   The Tories are on twenty-five percent in that constituency.

2. (intransitive, literally) To be performative or funny in a wearying manner.

   You don't have to be on all the time.

3. (transitive, literally) To be responsible for (something).

   That task is on you.

4. (African-American Vernacular, transitive) To be up to; to be engaged in or scheduled to do imminently.

   What are you on today?

Related terms

• be on to