hill. 2. resting on smth.: The lightning was attracted by the acorn on the top of the chapel. 3. in the most important place: He was on the top of the list of visitors permitted entrance to the Kremlin. Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase at the top of something1. = on the top of something 1: Go straight ahead up the hill and the Botanic Garden is on the left at the top of the hill. 2. = on the top of something 3: They are also at the top of the list of people the new Rwandan government wants to execute. 3. (of a street, garden, etc.) at the end that is furthest away from the speaker: The new building is at the top of Victoria Street. on top of something—1. = on the top of something 1: It was incredibly weird to be standing on top of the world’s largest ocean liner in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean 2. = on the top of something 2: The new method provides a platform on top of the satellite that is not spinning. 3. = on the top of some- thing 3: To make sure that the Protestant religion stays on top of the league in Northern Ireland, is what the Orange Order is all about. 4. in addition to smth., especially an unpleasant situation or event: He borrowed $50 from me and then, on top of that, asked me if he could borrow my car too. 5. know- ing all about the latest technology, market trends, etc.: Make sure you stay on top of the latest developments and news. on the trot • on the trots on the trot—(coll.) 1. moving from place to place: Two days on the trot carrying a big bag took its toll on me at only eight- een. 2. (also: on the run) running away from prison, the police, etc.: I eloped with one of the boys and we went on the trot from the approved school. 3. (also: on the go) constantly busy moving from one task to another: I’ve been on the trot all morning and I’m exhausted. 4. one after the other; in succes- sion: For three matches on the trot , he was really energetic and successful. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase at a trot—moving at a pace faster than a walk: He looked both ways, then set off at a trot in the direction of the Stones’ household. on the trots—(U.S. sl.) having the diarrhea: Why are you frequently visiting the lavatory, Jack? Are you on the trots ? on the up • on the up and up on the up—(UK coll.) improving or becoming more suc- cessful: Business was on the up , and Pete started employing people to help him fulfill orders. on the up and up—(U.S. coll.) 1. honest and trustworthy: I kept telling her the whole thing had been strictly on the up- and-up , but she wouldn’t listen. 2. = on the up: Since the reces- sion ended, our business has been on the up and up . Note: Neither expression fully correlates in meaning with the phrase on the uppers—(sl., also: on one’s uppers) 1. reduced to poverty; destitute: Freddie Forsyth was on his uppers . No job, nowhere to live, no money. 2. = on the up: Ally has had her fair share of ups and downs, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed she is on the uppers now. on the view • on view on the view—on close inspection: He walked round the three companies of horsemen, and pronounced on the view , that Montague and Fox were duly elected. on view—exhibited; on display: The latest model of the car is on view at our showrooms. on the wing • on wings on the wing —1. (of birds) in flight: They spend at least nine months of the year continuously on the wing . 2. in motion; moving swiftly: Pope’s constitutional irritability kept him con- stantly on the wing . Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on a wing and a prayer—relying on good fortune with only the slightest hope of succeeding: It appears like the company is running on a wing and a prayer in the month of Decem- ber. on wings—in a joyously exuberant mood: They sealed the promise with a long loving kiss, and Gerard went home on wings . Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase with wings(coll.) used of food to be taken home or out- side from a restaurant: “Can I take your order?” “I’ll have a Big Mac, a large fries and a Coke—with wings .” on the wrong side of the tracks • on the wrong track on the wrong side of the tracks—(also: on the other side of the tracks) in the less respectable or the poorer part of a town: We went to a school which was on the wrong side of the tracks , and we all got a fine education. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase on the right side of the hedge—on the advantageous or winning side: The French thought themselves on the right side of the hedge , but it proved otherwise. on the wrong track—(also: on the wrong tack) thinking or acting incorrectly: They won’t get it figured out because they are on the wrong track . on top • up top on top—1. resting on smth.: An imposing enamel teapot stands on top , quietly stewing. 2. in the lead; winning: The horse that everyone had expected would be on top actually came in third. 3. (also: at the top) in a position of power or authority: The men on top are always trampling down those who are trying to climb up. up top —1. = on top 3: If you need more proof that the men up top are ignoring our needs, the Government Accounting Office has just released a new study. 2. (Air Force) in the sky: You reveal your position to the aircraft up top and it is time to move fairly fast. 3. (sl.) in terms of mental capacity: Peg, you’ve got enough up top for both of us. once again • once and again once again—once more; another time: I’ll explain it once again , but please listen carefully this time. once and again—repeatedly: If you don’t want to be repet- itive, using the same word once and again you have a The- saurus option. one can but • one cannot but one can but—one cannot do otherwise than: I can but be your friend and guide and give you the benefit of my experi- ence. one cannot but— = one can but: I cannot but be glad that he does not love you; yet it fills me with grief to see that this pains you. one can do worse than • one cannot do better than one can do worse than—one would be well-advised to act in a particular way: It’s interesting work, and one can do worse than be part of the creative team. one cannot do better than— = one can do worse than: He can - not do better than buy the Michelin Guide to France and tour the two- or even three-star restaurants. one can’t be bothered • one is not bothered one can’t be bothered—(coll.) one does not have enough interest or energy to do smth.: Sometimes I can’t be bothered to go to the gym, sometimes I can’t be bothered to do anything at all. on the trot – 254 –