Phrases & Expressions

Used to firmly say that one will definitely not do something.

• You want me to sit in that sauna for an hour? Not on your life!
• Thanks for offering me a job in Siberia — am I going to take it? Not on your life!

Used to firmly refuse a request or reject an idea.

• You want me to buy the Golden Gate Bridge from you for a million bucks? Nothing doing!
• You want me to write your paper on Catherine the Great? Nothing doing!

You say this to customs officers when you have no goods to pay tax on.

• The customs officer asked, 'Anything to declare?' I said, 'Nothing to declare.'
• He walked through the green channel, saying 'Nothing to declare'.

To have no connection with someone or something.

• My decision to leave has nothing to do with money.
• The delay had nothing to do with the bad weather.

Free from a difficult situation, obligation, or responsibility.

• You're off the hook.
• He got off the hook for the accident.

Happening or existing sometimes, but not regularly or continuously.

• It rained on and off all day.
• They dated on and off for years.

Extremely happy.

• She's been on cloud nine since she heard the news.
• I was on cloud nine after the proposal.

Working at a particular time, especially when it is your turn to do so.

• I'm on duty until midnight tonight.
• Two police officers were on duty outside the building.

Feeling nervous, anxious, or easily irritated.

• Whenever Susan feels on edge, she takes a few deep breaths to relax.
• Ever since his car accident, Neil has been on edge.

Performing extremely well or achieving great success, often for a period of time.

• He's on fire tonight!
• The team is on fire.