On the alert Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /əˈɫɝt
AHN-thuh-uh-LURT
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɐlˈɜːt
ON-thuh-uh-LURT
Definition
Ready to notice danger or respond quickly; paying close attention to possible problems or threats.
Usage & Nuances
This is a semi-formal expression often used when discussing safety, security, or when someone needs to pay extra attention. Commonly found in warnings: 'Be on the alert for pickpockets.' Similar: 'on guard,' but 'on the alert' focuses more on awareness, not direct defense.
Spanish: en alerta - alertaPortuguese (BR): em alerta - atentoPortuguese (PT): em alerta - atentoChinese (Simplified): 保持警惕 - 保持警觉Chinese (Traditional): 保持警惕 - 保持警覺Hindi: सतर्कArabic: في حالة تأهب - متيقظBengali: সতর্ক - সতর্ক অবস্থায়Russian: настороже - начекуJapanese: 警戒して - 注意してVietnamese: cảnh giác - cảnh báoKorean: 경계하는 - 주의하는Turkish: tetikte - dikkatliUrdu: چوکنا - الرٹIndonesian: waspada - siaga
Example Sentences
The guards stayed on the alert all night.
basic
Be on the alert for any suspicious people.
basic
The police were on the alert after the robbery.
basic
You have to stay on the alert when driving late at night.
natural
After hearing strange noises, she was immediately on the alert.
natural
Travelers should always be on the alert for scams in big cities.
natural