Browse all

should on

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To keep telling yourself or others that they 'should' do things, which causes stress and guilt

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To impose excessive and unrealistic 'should' expectations on oneself, creating guilt and anxiety

"She spends so much time shoulding on herself — 'I should exercise more, I should call my mother, I should be further ahead in my career.'"

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To impose unrealistic moral obligations or expectations on another person

"Stop shoulding on your kids — let them make their own choices about their careers."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

This is a term from psychology and self-help discourse, popularised by therapists and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). 'Shoulding on yourself' means creating pressure through unrealistic internal rules. It is a play on the phrase 'shitting on yourself'. Not widely used outside therapy/self-help contexts.

Commonly used with

yourself others people constantly always

Forms

Base
should on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoulds on
he/she/it
Past simple
shoulded on
yesterday
Past participle
shoulded on
have + pp
-ing form
shoulding on
continuous

Understand "should on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "should on" on Looplines