be after

be after (doing something)

To be about to do or having just finished something. Primarily heard in Ireland. I'm after doing my homework and am ready for a snack. Hey, can you see who's at the door? I'm after putting the roast in the oven. A: "Ew, you're all sweaty!" B: "Well, yeah, I'm after going for a run!"

See also: after

be after (someone or something)

1. To follow someone or something in sequential order. B is after A in the alphabet. Karen, you go first. Tom, you're after Karen. No, we don't have to leave and come back. It's a double feature—we get to see two movies, and the second is right after the first.

2. To pursue or chase after someone or something. Run! The police are after us! This is a picture of the phone I'm after. Do you have any in stock? Federal prosecutors are after the companies responsible for triggering the economic crash.

See also: after

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

be after

v.

1. To follow or be later than something: Who is in line after me? The meeting is after lunch.

2. To pursue, seek, or desire someone or something: That hawk is after the rabbit. What sort of answers are you after?

3. be after for To pursue someone or something in order to obtain something else: You are only after me for my money.

See also: after

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.