Performing an Action (Against & Onto): English Vocabulary List

to be considered as a negative factor or disadvantage, potentially leading to a failure of a person or a situation

"His age counts against him."

"His lack of experience may count against him when the committee decides who to hire for the senior position."

to oppose or have an effect that is not helpful toward someone or something

"He ran against the incumbent mayor."

"The young politician decided to run against the experienced incumbent in the upcoming election for the senate seat."

to oppose a person or group in an argument and take a contrary stance or position

"They sided against their old friend."

"The jury decided to side against the defendant because the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and convincing."

to start to dislike someone or something

"I take against him."

"Ever since the argument, she has seemed to take against her new colleague, avoiding all interaction."

to comprehend something, typically after initial difficulty

"Get onto the idea."

"It took the students a while to get onto the complex mathematical concepts presented."

to proceed to the next step or stage of something

"Let's go onto the next topic."

"After finishing the first chapter, we went onto the next section of the book."

(of an area, door, or window) to provide direct access or a view to another area

"The door opens onto a balcony."

"The large glass doors open onto a beautiful terrace that overlooks the ocean."

to cause someone to become opposed or hostile toward a friend, relative, ally, etc.

"She set him against his friend."

"The politician's divisive rhetoric was designed to set the public against their elected officials."

to oppose or resist someone or something

"Do not go against your parents' wishes."

"It is difficult to go against the wishes of your parents when you know they only want the best for you."

to develop opposition or hostility toward something or someone once supported or favored

"He turned against them."

"The once loyal advisor began to turn against the king, spreading dissent among the court."