| Idiom | Meaning | Example | 
| on speaking terms | 
not friendly but saying hello etc.
 | 
Louise and I are not friends, but we're on speaking terms.
 | 
| on tap | 
available from the tap on a keg of beer or ale
 | 
There was a red neon sign in the window: COLD BEER ON TAP
 | 
| on target | 
done by the planned date, on schedule
 | 
If we can complete the drawings by Monday, we'll be on target.
 | 
| on tenterhooks | 
carefully, cautiously, afraid to move
 | 
He's cautious since his accident. He drives around on tenterhooks.
 | 
| on the back burner | 
to be done later, not as important
 | 
The playground project is on the back burner until next spring.
 | 
| on the ball | 
smart, intelligent, bright, sharp
 | 
Max has a lot on the ball. He can solve our problem.
 | 
| on the bandwagon | 
helping, supporting, on side
 | 
Get on the bandwagon, folks! Our man is going to be Premier!
 | 
| on the beat | 
on the job, working, doing a task or assignment
 | 
A journalist must be on the beat, working among the people and telling their stories.
 | 
| on the books | 
listed, accounted for
 | 
Is it legal to sell items that aren't on the books - that aren't listed?
 | 
| on the bright side | 
positive, optimistic
 | 
Chan is positive. He always looks on bright side of things.
 |