rivet on (someone or something)

rivet on (someone or something)

1. To attach or fasten something very securely to something else, with or as with rivets. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rivet" and "on." We'll need to rivet on a new handle before we'll be able to use this door. They riveted a makeshift ladder on the side of the house.

2. To focus one's attention or gaze on someone or something else. A noun or pronoun is used between "rivet" and "on." I riveted my gaze on the television as the final seconds of the game ticked away. I don't think I could handle celebrity. Having thousands of people rivet their attention on me every day sounds like a nightmare. As I stood atop the Empire State Building, my eyes were riveted on the tiny specks of people on the ground below.

See also: on, rivet

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

rivet something on(to) something

 and rivet something on

to attach something to something with rivets. The pockets of these jeans are riveted onto the body of the pants. You should rivet on this part of the frame to the wall.

See also: on, rivet

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