strike on

strike on (something)

1. Literally, to hit, kick, or knock someone or something on some specific location. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "strike" and "on." The child struck her dad on the head with the toy hammer.

2. To make a sudden or unexpected discovery. We've struck on a new way to treat cancer as a result of our research into immune system modification. It appears the film studio has struck on a winning formula with its recent blockbuster series.

3. To highlight, introduce, or raise some topic or issue. I think you've struck on an important point, Jim. The CEO struck on a number of key figures during his presentation to investors.

See also: on, strike

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

strike someone or something on something

to hit someone or something on a particular place or part. The ball struck me on my elbow, causing a great deal of pain. I struck the bear on the paw, and that only made it madder.

See also: on, strike

strike something (up)on something

to hit or bang something on something else. She struck her head upon the side of the bed. Mary struck her elbow on the doorjamb.

See also: on, strike

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

strike on

or strike upon

v.

To discover something suddenly or unexpectedly: In the course of their research, the scientists struck on an entirely new approach. The detective struck upon a clue.

See also: on, strike

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.