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on the go
/ɒn ðə ɡoʊ/
active or busy
She’s always on the go, working two jobs and studying part-time.
She is constantly busy with multiple responsibilities.
informal
busy and active, often moving from one task or place to another
After breakfast, I’m usually on the go all day.
I stay busy and active throughout the day.
He’s on the go from morning till night, never stopping.
He is constantly busy without rest.
Commonly used to describe someone with a hectic schedule or lifestyle.
Collocations
always on the goconstantly busykeep someone on the gokeep someone busy
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
Use 'on the go' to emphasize constant activity, not just physical movement. For example, 'She’s always on the go' implies she’s busy with tasks, not necessarily walking around.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
The phrase does not refer to actual travel or physical motion. It describes a lifestyle of continuous activity.
Word Origin
The phrase 'on the go' emerged in the mid-19th century, originally referring to physical movement (e.g., traveling). Over time, its meaning expanded to describe a busy lifestyle.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in informal contexts to describe a dynamic, fast-paced lifestyle. Avoid using in formal writing unless quoting speech.
Word Breakdown
on
in a state of
prepositionthe
definite article
articlego
moving or being active
verbEnglish Dictionary