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wale on

C1 slang inseparable transitive
In simple words

To keep beating or hitting someone or something very hard.

Literal meaning: 'Wale' relates to a mark or stripe from a blow; 'on' indicates the target.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

To hit a person or object repeatedly and with significant force.

"The older boys were waling on a younger student when the teacher arrived."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily American slang. 'Wale on', 'whale on', and 'wail on' are all variant spellings of the same expression. The etymology likely derives from 'wale' meaning a ridge or mark left by a blow. Used in informal spoken English and informal writing.

Commonly used with

someone opponent punching bag drums person

Forms

Base
wale on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wales on
he/she/it
Past simple
waled on
yesterday
Past participle
waled on
have + pp
-ing form
waling on
continuous

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