| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| on the brink |
close, almost there, on the verge
|
Their marriage is failing. They're on the brink of divorce.
|
| on the bubble |
between the ones that pass and fail, may be included or excluded
|
There are seven applicants. Two will be interviewed, three will not,
and two are on the bubble.
|
| on the button |
correct, accurate, dead on, spot on
|
When Fern guessed my age, she was right on the button: 39.
|
| on the carpet |
asked to explain a mistake, give me the third degree
|
Tom's on the carpet because he lost company documents.
|
| on the clock |
o'clock, at the time showing on the clock
|
"Did you come to work on time, Michael?"
"Yes, sir. At eight on the clock, sir."
|
| on the cutting edge |
(See the cutting edge)
|
|
| on the dot |
exactly on time, not early or late
|
The concert started at 7:30 on the dot.
|
| on the double |
quickly, now, move it
|
Coach Keyser said, "Sutton, get over here - on the double!"
|
| on the edge of your seat |
very interested in a movie, feeling suspense in a story
|
The movie The Firm will have you on the edge of your seat.
|
| on the fence |
(See sit the fence)
|
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