clip on

clip on(to) (someone or something)

To attach something to someone or something else using a clip. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clip" and "on." Clip on your ID badge before you leave so that you can get back into the building. I clipped the doctor's note onto the rest of my paperwork. Sit still so I can clip this bowtie onto your collar!

See also: clip

clip-on

1. An earring that clips onto the earlobe, as opposed to being inserted through a piercing. Jen never got her ears pierced, so we're going to need to find her some nice clip-ons for her wedding day. It's a good thing that dress-up set came with clip-ons, because my little girl doesn't have pierced ears yet. How can you wear clip-ons all day? It doesn't take long for my earlobes to start aching!

2. A necktie that clips onto the collar, as opposed to being tied. When I was a kid, I used to wear a clip-on before I knew how to tie a tie. A: "I can tie a tie, but not one-handed. That's why I'm wearing a clip-on." B: "Oh yeah, what happened to your hand?" When you're short on time, a clip-on really comes in handy.

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

clip something on(to) someone or something

 and clip something on

to attach something to someone or something with a clip. I clipped a little name tag onto him before I put him on the plane. I clipped on a name tag.

See also: clip, on

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