go on phrasal verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of go on phrasal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

go on

phrasal verb
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go on
  1. when a performer goes on, they begin their performance
    • She doesn't go on until Act 2.
  2. (in sport) to join a team as a substitute during a game
    • Maguire went on in place of Cahill just before half-time.
  3. when a light, the electricity, etc. goes on, it starts to work
    • Suddenly all the lights went on.
    opposite go off (4)
  4. (of time) to pass
    • She became more and more talkative as the evening went on.
  5. usually be going on
    to happen
    • What's going on here?
  6. if a situation goes on, it continues without changing
    • This cannot be allowed to go on.
    • How much longer will this hot weather go on for?
    • We can't go on like this—we seem to be always arguing.
    • The flight just seemed to go on and on.
  7. to continue speaking, often after stopping for a short time
    • She hesitated for a moment and then went on.
    • + speech ‘You know,’ he went on, ‘I think my brother could help you.’
  8. used to encourage somebody to do something
    • Go on! Have another drink!
    • Go on—jump!
go on (ahead)
  1. to travel in front of somebody else
    • You go on ahead—I'll catch you up in a few minutes.
go on something
  1. (used in negative sentences and questions) to base an opinion or a judgement on something
    • The police don't have much to go on.
    Topics Opinion and argumentc2
go on (about somebody/something)
  1. (informal) to talk about somebody/something for a long time, especially in a boring or complaining way
    • He went on and on about how poor he was.
    • She does go on sometimes!
    • He goes on endlessly about his health problems.
    Topics Feelingsc1
go on (at somebody)
  1. (especially British English, informal) to complain to somebody about their behaviour, work, etc. synonym criticize
    • She goes on at him continually.
    • Stop going on at me about that money.
go on (with something)
  1. to continue an activity, especially after a break
    • That's enough for now—let's go on with it tomorrow.
    • We'll go on with the presentations after lunch.
See go on in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
aspiration
noun
 
 
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