Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "O"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
On Top Of It All
"On top of it all" means in addition to everything else, or as an extra burden or difficulty on an already challenging situation. It is often used to express that something else has happened or is expected, making the circumstances even more overwhelming or unbearable.
On Top Of
"On top of" means in addition to or besides something else. It can also indicate being physically above or covering something. For example:<br><br>1. "I have to finish my homework, and on top of that, I need to study for a test." (in addition to)<br>2. "She put a strawberry on top of the cake." (physically above)<br>3. "He's already stressed, and now he has to deal with this problem on top of everything else." (besides)
On Your Bike
"On your bike" is an informal British expression that means to go away or leave, often in a dismissive or rude manner. It can be used when someone wants another person to depart quickly or when someone is not welcome anymore.
Once A Day
"Once a day" means something happens or should be done one time every 24-hour period. It refers to a daily frequency, usually at the same time each day.
Once A Week
"Once a week" means something happens or is done one time every seven days, typically referring to a recurring event or activity.
Once And For All
"Once and for all" means to do something definitively, completely, or permanently, so that it does not need to be done again or revisited. It signifies a final resolution or settlement of an issue.
Once Bitten Twice Shy
"Once bitten, twice shy" means that after having a bad experience or being hurt once, a person becomes cautious or hesitant to try or trust again in the same situation. It often refers to relationships, but can apply to any context where someone learns from a negative experience.
Once In A While
"Once in a while" means occasionally or from time to time, implying that something happens not very frequently but not never. It refers to an event or action that takes place sporadically or at irregular intervals.
Once Upon A Time
"Once upon a time" is a phrase commonly used to introduce a story, particularly fairy tales or narratives from the past. It signals the beginning of a tale and often creates a sense of nostalgia or a departure from reality into a fictional world.
One And Only
The phrase "one and only" typically refers to something or someone that is unique, unparalleled, or exceptionally special. It emphasizes the idea that there is no other like it or them. For example, "She is my one and only love" means there is nobody else who holds the same level of love and importance.
One And The Same
The phrase "one and the same" means identical or referring to the same thing or person. It emphasizes that there is no difference between two items or individuals being compared.
One At A Time
"one at a time" means to do or consider things individually, one after another, without rushing or dealing with multiple items simultaneously.
One By One
"one by one" means individually or sequentially, referring to the process of doing something separately for each item or person in a group, without skipping any.
One In A Million
The phrase "one in a million" refers to something or someone that is extremely rare, unique, or exceptional. It means that out of a million possibilities or people, there is only one like that particular thing or individual. It is often used as a compliment to express how special or remarkable someone or something is.
One Moment Please
"<em>one moment please</em>" is an expression used to ask someone to wait briefly before continuing or to give you a short amount of time to do something. It's a polite way to ask for a little more time, typically in a conversation or when you need to attend to something quickly.
One Of A Kind
"One of a kind" means something is unique or unparalleled; there is no other exactly like it. It could refer to a person with distinct qualities or a rare item that cannot be found elsewhere.
One Of The
The phrase "one of the" refers to a specific item or member within a group or category. It indicates that there are multiple items or members, and the one being referred to is just a part of that larger group. For example, "She is one of the best athletes in the team" means that out of all the athletes, she is among the best few.
One On One
"<em>one on one</em>" refers to a situation where two people are interacting or competing directly with each other, without any additional participants. It often implies a personal, individual, or private setting, such as a private conversation, tutorial, or a one-to-one sports match.
One Size Fits All
The phrase "one size fits all" means that a particular product or solution is designed to be suitable for everyone, without any adjustments or customization. It suggests a universal solution that can accommodate different individuals or situations, though it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.
One Step Closer
"One step closer" means you have moved closer to achieving a goal or completing a task. It signifies progress, as you are one step nearer to your desired outcome.
Only Too Well
"Only too well" means with complete understanding or awareness, often implying that something is regrettable or has had negative consequences. It can be used to express that someone knows a situation or a feeling all too well. For example, "I know the challenges of this job only too well."
Ooh La La
"Ooh la la" is an expression commonly used in English to convey excitement, admiration, or to emphasize something appealing or attractive. It is often associated with a playful or flirtatious tone.
Or Near Offer
The phrase "or near offer" typically means that someone is willing to accept a price or proposal that is close to the initial one presented, but not necessarily exactly the same. It indicates flexibility in negotiations, suggesting they are open to considering slightly different terms as long as they are in the vicinity of the original offer.
Ordo Ab Chao
"Ordo ab Chao" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Order out of Chaos." It signifies the idea that order can emerge from chaos or disorder. It is often used to describe a situation where a seemingly chaotic or messy environment is transformed into a structured and organized one. The phrase is also associated with Freemasonry, where it represents the philosophical principle of finding enlightenment or understanding through confusion or adversity.
Ordo Templi Orientis
"Ordo Templi Orientis" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Order of the Temple of the East" or "Order of the Eastern Temple." It refers to a secret society and esoteric organization that focuses on spiritual and mystical practices, including occultism, Freemasonry, and ceremonial magic. The group was founded in the late 19th century and is known for its interest in exploring various forms of mysticism and personal transformation.
Osama Bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was a Saudi Arabian terrorist who was the founder and leader of the militant Islamist organization al-Qaeda. He was responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, including the 1998 United States embassy bombings, the 2000 USS Cole bombing, and the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which killed nearly 3,000 people. Bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011, during a raid by US Navy SEALs at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Ought Not To Have
"Ought not to have" is a phrase used to express that someone should not have done something in the past. It implies regret or criticism for an action that was taken. For example, "You ought not to have spoken to your friend that way; it was hurtful."
Ought Not To
"Ought not to" is a phrase used to express that something should not be done or is not advisable. It is a more formal way of saying "shouldn't" or "must not." For example, "You ought not to smoke, it's harmful to your health."
Ought To Have
"Ought to have" is a phrase used to express a sense of obligation or duty about something that should have been done in the past but wasn't. It implies that there was a missed opportunity or a failure to fulfill a responsibility. For example, "I ought to have studied more for the exam" means the speaker realizes now that they should have studied more in the past.
Our Father Which Art In Heaven
This phrase is part of the Lord's Prayer, a Christian prayer taught by Jesus Christ. It translates to "Our Father who is in heaven" in modern English. It addresses God as a loving and compassionate fatherly figure, emphasizing the close relationship between God and humanity.
Our Father Who Art In Heaven
This phrase is part of the Lord's Prayer, a Christian prayer taught by Jesus Christ. "Our Father who art in heaven" refers to God the Father, acknowledging His divine presence and position as the supreme being. It expresses reverence and acknowledges that God is in a heavenly realm, separated from the earthly world.
Out And About
"Out and about" means being outside or away from home, actively engaged in activities or running errands. It implies that someone is not at their usual place of residence or work and is instead out in public, socializing, or exploring.
Out And Out
"Out and out" is an idiomatic expression that means "complete" or "utter." It is often used to emphasize the absolute nature of something. For example, "He was out and out exhausted after running a marathon," meaning he was completely exhausted.
Out Of Bounds
"Out of bounds" refers to an area or situation that is considered off-limits, unauthorized, or beyond acceptable limits. It can be used in various contexts such as sports, where it means a ball or player has gone outside the designated playing area, or in general conversation to indicate something is not acceptable or beyond the scope of what is allowed.
Out Of Breath
"Out of breath" means to be short of breath, unable to breathe easily, or to have difficulty catching one's breath, usually after physical exertion or due to being startled or anxious. It can also indicate being extremely tired or exhausted.
Out Of Control
"Out of control" means that something is not under control or has become uncontrollable. It can refer to a situation, behavior, or emotion that has gotten beyond one's ability to manage or regulate it.