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on the move
/ɒn ðə muːv/
in motion or traveling
The company is on the move with its new expansion plans.
The company is actively progressing with its plans to expand.
informal
in motion or traveling from one place to another
We saw a truck on the move down the highway.
We saw a truck traveling down the highway.
The nomads are always on the move, following the seasons.
The nomads are always traveling, following the seasons.
Often used to describe people, vehicles, or groups that are actively traveling or relocating.
informal
actively progressing or making progress
The startup is really on the move with its innovative products.
The startup is making significant progress with its innovative products.
After the merger, the company was on the move to dominate the market.
After the merger, the company was actively working to dominate the market.
Can be used metaphorically to describe progress or advancement in a non-physical sense.
Collocations
on the movein motion or travelingget on the movestart moving or travelingkeep on the movecontinue moving or traveling
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Metaphorical Use
Remember that 'on the move' can be used both literally to describe physical movement and metaphorically to describe progress or advancement.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider the context to determine whether 'on the move' is being used literally or metaphorically.
Word Origin
The phrase 'on the move' comes from the literal sense of being in motion or traveling. It has been used in English since at least the early 20th century and has expanded to include metaphorical uses related to progress or advancement.
Usage Notes
The phrase is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In literal contexts, it refers to physical movement, while in metaphorical contexts, it refers to progress or advancement in various endeavors.
Word Breakdown
on
in the state of
prepositionthe
definite article
articlemove
to change position or location
verbEnglish Dictionary