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on the go

/ɒn ðə ɡoʊ/
adverbial phrase★Intermediate— active or busy
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

busyactiveon the moveoccupied

Antonyms

idleinactiveat rest

Related Phrases

on the movephrase
active and busy

💡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
preposition
+
the
definite article
article
+
go
moving or being active
verb
English Dictionary

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