on the double
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on the double
Rapidly; faster than one normally goes. Can you please drive on the double? Yes, we'll be there on the double!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*(up)on someone
Fig. to be someone's obligation or responsibility. (*Typically: be ~; lie ~.) The obligation is upon you to settle this. The major part of the responsibility is on you.
*on someone or something
[incriminating or harmful information] about someone or something. (*Typically: get something ~; have something ~; give someone something~.) I've gotten something on Albert that would really shock you. She is trying to get something on her husband so she can divorce him.
on something
1. taking a medication. I am on an antibiotic for my chest cold. I want you to be on this drug for another week.
2. taking an illegal drug or controlled substance and acting strangely. What is the matter with that kid? Is he on something? She acted as if she were on barbiturates or something.
on the double
very fast; twice as fast as normal. (Originally military. Alludes to "double time" in marching.) Get over here right now—on the double! She wants to see you in her office on the double.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the double
Very quickly, as in You'd better get here on the double. This expression, also put as at the double, came from the military, where it means "double time"-that is, marching twice as fast as normally. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on the double
mod. very fast; twice as fast. (Originally military. Refers to double time in marching.) Get over here right now—on the double! She wants to see you in her office on the double.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
on
/at the dot Exactly at the appointed time; punctual or punctually: arrived at nine o'clock on the dot.
on
/at the double1. Immediately.
2. In double time.
on
/in behalf of1. As the agent of; on the part of.
2. For the benefit of; in the interest of.
on
/in the street1. Without a job; idle.
2. Without a home; homeless.
3. Out of prison; at liberty.
on
/into/down the wind Nautical In the same or nearly the same direction as the wind.
on
/under pain of Subject to the penalty of (a specified punishment, such as death).
on
/upon (one's) hands In one's possession, often as an imposed responsibility or burden: Now they have the grandchildren on their hands.
on
/upon request When asked for: References are available on request.
on
/upon the heels of1. Directly behind.
2. Immediately following.
on
(one's)/the way In the process of coming, going, or traveling: She is on her way out the door. Winter is on the way.
on
its/someone's ear In a state of amazement, excitement, or uproar: a controversial movie that set the film industry on its ear.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.