on the wane and on the wax
on the increase
Decreasing and increasing, said of the moon.
The moon is regularly on the wane and on the wax at regular intervals lasting half a month.
on the warpath
Very angry.
When Mother saw the mess in the kitchen she went on the warpath.
Betty has been on the warpath ever since she found out she was not invited to the party.
Making an attack; fighting.
The government is on the warpath against narcotics.
The police are on the warpath against speeders.
on the watch
Alert; watchful.
The customs inspector was on the watch for diamond smugglers.
Mary was on the watch for bargains at the auction.
on the way
on one's way
Coming; going toward a place or goal; started.
Help was on the way.
The train left and Bill was on his way to New York.
He is well on the way to becoming a fine mechanic.
on the whole
In the most important things; in most ways.
On the whole, Billy did very well in school this year.
Everybody agreed that on the whole it was a good show.
He is, on the whole, a good student.
In most cases; usually.
On the whole, men are stronger than women.
On the whole, children begin walking when they are about one year old.
on the wing
In the air; while flying.
The duck flew away, but John shot it on the wing.
In constant motion; always very busy.
Susan was on the wing doing things to get ready for her trip.
Mr. Jones had a busy schedule and his secretary had to catch him on the wing to sign the letters.
Moving from one place to another; traveling; going somewhere.
Mary's husband is a traveling salesman and he's always on the wing.
They stayed in France for a week and then they were on the wing again.
on the wrong track
Lost; pursuing the wrong lead.
Professor MacAlister confessed that his chemical experiments were on the wrong track.
one on the city
A glass of water (which is provided free of charge, as a free gift from the city).
What will you have? - Oh, just give me one on the city.