Be not on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈnɑt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

BEE NOT-ON or BEE NAWT-ON

UK

bˈiː/ /nˈɒt/ /ˈɒn

BEE NOT-ON

Definition

Used to say that something is not allowed, not acceptable, or improper in a particular situation. Often used to reject undesirable actions or behavior.

Usage & Nuances

Informal British English. Commonly used to reject unacceptable behavior: 'That is not on.' Used especially in response to unfair, rude, or dishonest actions. It rarely appears in American English. Not used for physical objects being switched off; it expresses social or moral disapproval.

• Spanish: no estar permitido - no ser aceptable
• Portuguese (BR): não é aceitável - não está permitido
• Portuguese (PT): não é aceitável - não está permitido
• Chinese (Simplified): 不允许 - 不可接受
• Chinese (Traditional): 不允許 - 不可接受
• Hindi: स्वीकार्य नहीं है - स्वीकार्य नहीं है
• Arabic: غير مسموح به - غير مقبول
• Bengali: গ্রহণযোগ্য নয় - অনুমোদিত নয়
• Russian: не допускается - это неприемлемо
• Japanese: 許されない - 受け入れられない
• Vietnamese: không được chấp nhận - không cho phép
• Korean: 허용되지 않는다 - 받아들일 수 없다
• Turkish: kabul edilemez - izin verilmez
• Urdu: قابلِ قبول نہیں - اجازت نہیں ہے
• Indonesian: tidak diperbolehkan - tidak dapat diterima

Example Sentences

Throwing food in class is not on.

basic

Copying someone's homework is not on.

basic

Cheating in a test is not on at this school.

basic

I'm sorry, but turning up an hour late is not on.

natural

Taking credit for someone else's work really is not on.

natural

You can't just cancel at the last minute—that is not on.

natural