Others (On): English Vocabulary List

to mark the start of one's work using a clock or some other electronic device

"She clocks on at nine."

"The factory workers must clock on at exactly eight in the morning or they will be marked as late."

to take a risk on a particular outcome, often with uncertain results

"Do not gamble on the stock market."

"The investor decided to gamble on the risky startup even though most experts predicted that it would fail within a year."

to gradually like someone or something more and more

"The song will grow on you."

"The new song was strange at first but it started to grow on me after I listened to it a few times."

to aim for a goal by taking a negative action, but experience unintended negative consequences

"His plan rebounded on him."

"The company's attempt to cut costs rebounded on them when the poor quality of their products caused customers to stop buying."

to refrain from addressing a matter or making a decision

"They sit on the issue."

"The committee decided to sit on the controversial proposal until they had more information."

to risk something valuable, such as money, reputation, etc. based on the outcome of a particular situation

"He staked his reputation on it."

"I would stake my reputation on the fact that he is telling the truth because I have known him for twenty years."

to make something better compared to a previous state or standard

"Improve on your previous score."

"The new version of the software improves on the old one by fixing many bugs and adding useful features."

to find something or someone unexpectedly

"I stumbled on an old photograph."

"The archaeologist stumbled on a hidden cave while exploring the remote hillside and discovered ancient paintings on the walls."

to find or encounter something without actively searching for it

"We happened on a hidden cave."

"I happened on a beautiful little bookstore while wandering through the back streets of the old town."

to ask someone to wait briefly or pause for a moment

"Hang on, I am coming."

"Could you please hang on for a moment while I find the document you requested?"

to tell someone to wait or pause what they are doing momentarily

"Hold on, please wait."

"Could you hold on for a moment while I find the correct document?"

to affect someone or something, particularly in a burdensome way

"This will bear on us."

"The increasing financial burdens will inevitably bear on the family's ability to maintain their current lifestyle."

to move from one item or topic to the next in a sequence or discussion

"She went on to study law."

"After finishing high school, he went on to pursue a degree in engineering at a prestigious university."

to make progress or improve

"The team will come on."

"With consistent practice and dedicated effort, the young athletes are starting to come on remarkably well."

to experience a particular situation or outcome

"The job will fall on him."

"Unfortunately, the responsibility for organizing the entire event will fall on the least experienced member of the committee."