not on

phrase

British, informal

1

: not acceptable or proper

Cheating old ladies out of their savings just isn't on.

2

: not possible

I'm afraid that scheme's just not on.

Examples of not on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those not on the waterfront range from $700,000 to over $1 million, Dubb said. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Lionel Messi was, for once, not on the scoresheet in the final matchup as Argentina came through 3-1 winners against Switzerland after extra time to set up a tie with England. — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Separate questions also asked if particular foods should be allowed like pizza (76 percent said no), BBQ ribs (84 percent no), and raw fish (91 percent no), but chicken was not on the list. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Michigan is not on the list, but is currently experiencing the highest case numbers of cyclosporiasis. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Rhymes for not on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon