on with you: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘on with you’ mean?

The idiom "on with you" means to continue or proceed with something. It is often used to encourage someone to move forward or make progress in a situation or task.

Idiom Explorer

The Intriguing Signification

The phrase 'on with you' is commonly used in the English language. It is typically used as a command or directive to encourage someone to continue with a particular action or behavior. Instead of providing a lengthy introduction or summary, it is better to get straight to the point. So, let's dive into understanding the meaning and usage of this idiomatic expression without any transitional phrases.

'On with you' can also be interpreted as a way of urging someone to move forward or progress without hesitation or delay. This idiomatic expression is often used in informal or casual conversations. It is a phrase that people use to motivate or cheer on others. It's like saying, "Keep going!" or "Don't give up!"

Now, let's explore how 'on with you' is related to the idioms 'go with' and 'come along'.

The idiom 'go with' is used to describe situations where two or more things or people complement each other or are compatible. For example, if someone says, "That outfit really goes with your shoes," they are indicating that the outfit and the shoes match well together. In this context, 'on with you' can be seen as a way of saying, "Keep going in the direction that complements or matches you."

Similarly, the idiom 'come along' is used to invite or encourage someone to join in or accompany others. It's like saying, "Come with us!" or "Join the journey!" When 'on with you' is related to 'come along', it carries the connotation of urging someone to continue their journey or progress together without hesitation.

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Now that we have discussed the meaning and relatedness of 'on with you' with the idioms 'go with' and 'come along', let's delve further into the usage and characteristics of this idiom.

The origins and etymology of the idiom 'on with you' are unclear. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about its specific history. This lack of concrete information may be due to the informal nature of idiomatic expressions. They often evolve naturally through regular usage without any specific documentation. Despite the lack of historical specifics, 'on with you' continues to be widely used in the English language.

There are no known variations or alternative forms of the idiom 'on with you'. It is typically used as it is, without any modifications. This consistency in usage further emphasizes the directness and simplicity of the phrase. People understand its meaning without any confusion or ambiguity.

Furthermore, 'on with you' does not have any specific cultural or regional associations. It is used universally in the English-speaking world. This universality contributes to the accessibility and familiarity of the idiom. Regardless of one's background or location, people can comprehend its meaning and use it appropriately in conversations.

While the meaning of the idiom can be easily understood in context, its exact origins and early usage remain a mystery. It is a phrase that has stood the test of time, being passed down through generations by word of mouth. Its longevity is a testament to its effectiveness in conveying encouragement or motivation to others.

Despite the lack of concrete information about the origins of 'on with you', its usage and meaning continue to resonate with English speakers worldwide. As an experienced editor at HubSpot, it is my responsibility to ensure that articles are coherent, readable, and effective. I strive to improve clarity, structure, and style in the articles I edit. Following the given rules and guidelines, I enhance the quality and impact of the content while maintaining a conversational tone and friendly, informal style.

'on with you' is a commonly used idiomatic expression that encourages someone to continue with a particular action or behavior. It is often used in informal conversations with a direct and straightforward approach. It can be related to the idioms 'go with' and 'come along' by emphasizing the idea of progressing and moving forward without hesitation. While the exact origins and early usage of 'on with you' remain unknown, its universal usage and continued popularity make it an impactful phrase in the English language.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "on with you" can be used in a sentence:

  1. I want to go out for dinner, but my friends want to stay in. I say, "Come on, let's go out, I'm on with you!"
  2. During the meeting, the team leader proposed a new strategy. The rest of the team agreed, saying, "Yes, we're on with you, let's give it a try!"
  3. When my sister suggested playing a board game, I replied, "I'm on with you, let's get the game set up!"

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