go on

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To continue in extent.

   • The meeting seemed to go on forever.
   • This road goes on for another twenty miles.
2. 2

   To continue an action.

   • I think I've said enough now; I'm not sure I should go on.
   • He went on walking even when the policeman told him to stop.
   • One might imagine that the directors foresaw the somewhat uninspiring appearance of the future Manchester stations, and decided to start as it was intended to go on.
3. 3

   To proceed (to do something).

   • He started the competition badly but went on to win the gold medal.
   • "Do you want to hear a joke?" — "Oh, all right, go on then."
   • The kid who starts a business selling candy out of his locker always goes on to be a major sleazeball later in life.
4. ›+ 8 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To talk frequently or at great length (about a subject).

      • Near-synonyms: blather, prattle, drone on, rabbit; see also Thesaurus:chatter
      • Will you stop going on about your stupid holiday?
      • Sam goes on and on about Pokémon.
   2. 5

      To happen (occur).

      • What's going on?
      • I really don't want to know what goes on between you and your boyfriend behind closed doors.
      • At the time, with the D-Day invasion of Europe going on, their heroism was hardly noticed. Plenty of other heroes were dying elsewhere. Plenty of bigger bits of history were being made.
   3. 6

      To move or proceed so as to become "on" in any of various senses.

      • Bertha's about to finish her song. Who's going on next?
      • Smith went on for Jones at left back after Jones got injured.
      • It was pitch black and then suddenly all the lights went on.
   4. 7

      Expressing that the speaker can continue speaking without interruption from the listener.

      • Go on! You were saying about those other ones too?
   5. 8

      Expressing surprise, disbelief or incredulity.

      • A: He asked Fiona to marry him. B: Go on! A: It's true, I swear.
   6. 9

      Expressing encouragement, see come on.

      • Go on! You can do it!
   7. 10

      Yes

      Yes; okay; it's a deal.

      • —So three hundred on the chair then, and can we do two-fifty on the clock? —Go on, then.
   8. 11

      To use and adopt (information) in order to understand an issue, make a decision, etc.

      To use and adopt (information) in order to understand an issue, make a decision, etc.; to go by.

      • We can't go on what this map says; it's twenty years out of date.
      • I didn't make a decision because I didn't have anything to go on.

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