1 B1 neutral
To continue moving forward rapidly without stopping.
"We can't wait — dash on ahead and I'll catch up in a moment."
inseparable
dash on
B2 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
To continue moving quickly forward, or to apply something rapidly to a surface.
In plain English
To keep going quickly, or to quickly put something on a surface.
What does "dash on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To apply something quickly and without great care to a surface.
"Just dash on a coat of paint — we'll do a proper job next weekend."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To dash (move fast) onward, or to dash something onto a surface.
Actually means
To keep going quickly, or to quickly put something on a surface.
Usage tip
Two senses: one of movement (continuing rapidly ahead) and one of application (applying something quickly, e.g. paint, seasoning). The movement sense is slightly old-fashioned. The application sense is informal.
Words that pair with "dash on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
paint seasoning colour glaze ahead quickly
How to conjugate "dash on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dash on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dashes on
he/she/it
Past simple
dashed on
yesterday
Past participle
dashed on
have + pp
-ing form
dashing on
continuous
Hear "dash on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dash on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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