1 B1 idiomatic informal
To repeatedly nag, pressure, or pester someone about a particular matter.
"My mum has been on at me all week to tidy my bedroom."
inseparable
be on at
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To repeatedly pester or nag someone about something.
In plain English
To keep bothering someone and telling them to do something again and again.
What does "be on at" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Distinctly British English. Always followed by a person ('be on at someone') and usually followed by the topic ('be on at someone about something'). Implies mild annoyance or frustration on the part of the speaker.
Words that pair with "be on at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
always constantly keep parents boss partner
How to conjugate "be on at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
be on at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
is on at
he/she/it
Past simple
was/were on at
yesterday
Past participle
been on at
have + pp
-ing form
being on at
continuous
Hear "be on at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "be on at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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