1 B1 neutral
To attach a piece of equipment or gear to your body by fastening straps.
"He strapped on his backpack and headed into the forest."
separable
strap on
B1 neutral separable transitive
To attach equipment or gear to your body using straps.
In plain English
To use straps to attach something to your body so you can carry or wear it.
What does "strap on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Figurative) To prepare oneself mentally and physically for a challenge or task.
"It's time to strap on your boots and face the competition."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put something on your body and secure it with a strap — transparent.
Actually means
To use straps to attach something to your body so you can carry or wear it.
Usage tip
Common in military, sports, and outdoor activities. 'Strap on your skis/boots/gear' is typical. Also used figuratively in the phrase 'strap on your boots/gloves' to mean to prepare for action.
Words that pair with "strap on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
skis boots armor helmet backpack weapon gear
How to conjugate "strap on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
strap on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
straps on
he/she/it
Past simple
straped on
yesterday
Past participle
straped on
have + pp
-ing form
straping on
continuous
Hear "strap on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "strap on"
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