appear on (someone or something)

appear on (someone or something)

1. To suddenly become visible on someone or something. That cat just appeared on my porch! Is he yours? The rash first appeared on my daughter last night, doctor. I have no idea where these scratches came from, it's like they just appeared on my car!

2. To act, typically on television or in a play. Early in her acting career, she appeared on many TV shows. That actress hasn't appeared on stage in years. I don't want some bit part now—back in the '80s, I appeared on a soap opera as a leading man!

See also: appear, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

appear (up)on something

to arrive and be seen on something. (Upon is more formal and less commonly used than on.) A fly appeared on the sterile bandages. A small bird appeared on our mailbox.

See also: appear, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.