Phrasal verb
be on about
Meanings
to talk about something repeatedly or for too long, especially in an annoying way
to mean or refer to something (often used in questions showing confusion or disbelief)
Definition
To be on about something means to keep talking about it, often in an annoying or repetitive way.
If someone is on about something, they keep mentioning or complaining about the same topic again and again. It often suggests the speaker thinks the talk is boring, unnecessary, or irritating. In informal British English, it can also mean “to mean” or “to be referring to,” especially in questions like “What are you on about?”
Examples
- My dad is on about the weather again.
- I don’t know what you’re on about.
- She was on about how busy her week had been.
- They’re on about changing the plan at the last minute.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "be on about" with "be about" and say "What are you about?" instead of "What are you on about?"
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.