| 释义 |
on (one's) lips on (one's) lips1. Being heavily or commonly discussed among a large group of people. The question on everyone's lips is whether this will be the only round of layoffs. The new tax cut has been on people's lips since it was announced last week.2. About to be or desired to be said or asked. The question had been on my lips during the entire presentation, but my mind went blank as soon as I stood up to ask it. I could tell the confession was on his lips, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it.See also: lip, onon someone's lips COMMON1. If a subject is on people's lips, a lot of people are talking about it and are interested in it. The question on most people's lips was not whether there would be war but when it would break out. A new word was on the lips of foreign companies and governments: privatisation.2. If a question or comment is on your lips, you want to ask or say it or you are in the process of asking or saying it. The question had been on my lips the whole time. `What has happened to her?' He stopped in the dressing room beside their bedroom, his apology already on his lips.See also: lip, on |