when a performer goes on, they begin their performance
Example:
- She doesn't go on until Act 2.
to join a team as a substitute during a game
Example:
- Maguire went on in place of Cahill just before half-time.
when a light, the electricity, etc. goes on, it starts to work
Example:
- Suddenly all the lights went on.
Related words and phrases
to pass
Example:
- She became more and more talkative as the evening went on.
to happen
Example:
- What's going on here?
if a situation goes on, it continues without changing
Example:
- This cannot be allowed to go on.
- How much longer will this hot weather go on for?
- We can't go on like this—we seem to be always arguing.
- The flight just seemed to go on and on.
to continue speaking, often after stopping for a short time
Example:
- She hesitated for a moment and then went on.
- ‘You know,’ he went on, ‘I think my brother could help you.’
used to encourage somebody to do something
Example:
- Go on! Have another drink!
- Go on—jump!