Словарь американских идиом: 8000 единиц

[old world]{n. phr.} Europe, the continent; a continental manner. •/Tom had an old world manner that thoroughly charmed all the ladies./ Compare: OLD COUNTRY.

[olive branch]{n. phr.} An overture; a symbol of peace. •/Tired of the constant fighting, the majority government extended an olive branch to the militant minority./

[on account]{adv. phr.} As part payment of a debt; to lessen the amount owed. •/John paid $10 down and $5 on account each month for his bicycle./

[on account of]{prep.} As a result of; because of. •/The picnic was held in the gym on account of the rain./ Compare: ON ONE’S ACCOUNT, OF ONE’S OWN ACCORD.

[on a dime]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a very small space. •/Bob can turn that car on a dime./ •/Tom says his new sports car will stop on a dime./

[on-again, off-again] See: OFF-AGAIN, ON-AGAIN.

[on air] See: WALK ON AIR.

[on a limb] See: OUT ON A LIMB.

[on all four] See: HIT ON ALL FOUR.

[on all fours]{adv. phr.} 1. On all four legs; on hands and knees. •/Fido sat up to "beg" but dropped down on all fours to eat the dog biscuit Sam gave him./ •/Billy’s father got down on all fours and gave the baby a ride./ 2. {informal} On a level of equality; of the same value. •/Wigs may be widely used, but they are still not on all fours with beautiful natural hair./

[on an average] or [on the average]{adv. phr.} In most cases; usually. •/On an average Dan’s mother has to ask him three times before he helps with the dishes./ •/On the average, Mr. Blank trades in his car for a new one every three years./

[on and off] See: OFF AND ON.

[on an even keel]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a well-ordered way or condition; orderly. •/When the football rally seemed almost ready to become a riot, the principal stepped to the platform and got things back on an even keel./

[on a pedestal]{adv. phr.} Lovingly honored and cared for. •/Mrs. Raymond’s children served her breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day and later took her out to dinner. She felt on a pedestal./ •/Bill is always waiting on his fiancee and bringing her flowers and candy. He has certainly put her on a pedestal./

[on approval]{adv. phr.} With the understanding that the thing may be refused. •/Mr. Grey bought his camera on approval./ •/The company offered to send a package of stamps on approval./

[on a scratched horse] See: PUT ONE’S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED HORSE.

[on a shoestring]{adv. phr.} With little money to spend; on a very low budget. •/The couple was seeing Europe on a shoestring./

[on a volcano] See: SIT ON A VOLCANO.

[on behalf of] See: IN BEHALF OP.

[on board(1)]{prep.} On (a ship). •/Joan was not on board the ship when it sailed./

[on board(2)]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} On a ship. •/The captain was not on board when the S.S. Flandre sailed./ •/A ship was leaving the harbor, and we saw the people on board waving./

[on borrowed time] See: LIVE ON BORROWED TIME.