1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To suddenly attack or criticise someone verbally, especially after a period of restraint.
"When the journalist asked a third provocative question, the politician rounded on him angrily."
inseparable
round on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To turn suddenly and attack or criticise someone sharply, often unexpectedly.
In plain English
To suddenly turn around and shout at or criticise someone in an angry way.
What does "round on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
Of an animal: to suddenly turn and attack a person or other animal.
"The dog rounded on the stranger who had entered the yard."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn in a circle to face someone — the physical image is of wheeling around to confront.
Actually means
To suddenly turn around and shout at or criticise someone in an angry way.
Usage tip
Always followed by a person (the target). Most commonly used in journalistic and literary writing. Implies the attack is somewhat sudden and unexpected — the subject pivots to confront someone. More common in British English.
Words that pair with "round on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
critics opponents journalists colleagues questioner press
How to conjugate "round on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
round on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rounds on
he/she/it
Past simple
rounded on
yesterday
Past participle
rounded on
have + pp
-ing form
rounding on
continuous
Hear "round on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "round on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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