be not on

be not on

To be inappropriate or unfair, as of one's behavior. I'm sorry, but it's just not on to spread gossip about someone. Would you stop cursing? It's not on to say stuff like that in front of all these little kids! Some people thought that wearing such a bright outfit to a funeral was not on, but it was meant to be a tribute to my friend.

See also: not, on

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

it's not on

it's impractical or unacceptable. informal

See also: not, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

(just) not ˈon

(informal) not a good or an acceptable way to behave: He told her that using his bike without asking just wasn’t on. ♢ It’s not on — you should know better.

See also: not, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017