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think on

B2 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To think carefully about something, or to think quickly in a tough situation.

Literal meaning: To place your thinking on top of something.

Meanings

1 C1 informal

rare

To think carefully or reflect on something (chiefly British dialect or archaic).

"Think on what I've said before you make your final choice."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

In the phrase 'think on one's feet': to respond quickly and effectively to an unexpected situation without time to prepare.

"A good lawyer has to be able to think on their feet when the judge asks an unexpected question."

"You need to be able to think on your feet in this job."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

The bare form 'think on something' is chiefly British dialect and somewhat old-fashioned. However, the fixed expression 'think on your feet' is very common in standard modern English worldwide and is its most frequent use.

Commonly used with

feet problem matter issue question advice

Forms

Base

think on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

thinks on

he/she/it

Past simple

thought on

yesterday

Past participle

thought on

have + pp

-ing form

thinking on

continuous

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