Using the Idiom 'On No Account': Examples and Meanings

The idiom "on no account" means under no circumstances. It is used to express a strong negative instruction or warning, indicating that something should not be done. For example, "On no account should you leave the house without your keys" means that it is extremely important that you do not leave the house without your keys, and it is not acceptable to do so.

The origin of the idiom "on no account" is not clear. However, it has been in use in the English language for several centuries. The phrase "on no account" is made up of two parts: "on" and "no account." "On" is a preposition that can be used to indicate the condition or circumstances under which something happens, and "no account" is a noun phrase that means "no reason or justification."

Here are 10 sample sentences using the idiom "on no account":

On no account should you trust him, he is known to be dishonest.
The company policy states that on no account are employees allowed to share confidential information.
On no account must you reveal the location of the treasure to anyone.
My doctor told me that on no account should I eat any gluten products.
On no account can I afford to lose this job.
The teacher made it clear that on no account would he tolerate any form of cheating.
On no account will I be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
The lawyer advised his client that on no account should he speak to the police without legal representation.
On no account should you try to fix the electrical problem yourself, it's too dangerous.
I have a strict rule that on no account should my children use their phones after 9 pm.

The phrase "on no account" is found in literature dating back to the 16th century. For example, in William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," the character Prospero says "On no account, sir, shall you be my host."

The phrase "on no account" is used in various forms and can be seen in many different contexts, including in literature, business, legal, and everyday conversations.

Comments

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

Go Down Like a Lead Balloon” – Meaning, Origin, and Examples of the Idiom

Idioms are colorful expressions that make everyday language more engaging. They often convey deeper meanings beyond the literal words, adding humor, culture, and vivid imagery to communication. One such striking idiom is “go down like a lead balloon.” Meaning The idiom “go down like a lead balloon” means that something has been received very poorly—usually a joke, idea, performance, or comment that fails to impress or entertain. Instead of being appreciated, it falls flat and leaves a negative or awkward impression. In short: if your speech “goes down like a lead balloon,” it didn’t land well with your audience. Origin/History The expression dates back to the mid-20th century. It became popular in Britain and the United States, likely inspired by the obvious fact that a balloon made of lead would sink instead of floating. The imagery captures the opposite of what balloons normally do—rise and delight. The earliest recorded usage is traced to the 1940s, and it became more widespr...

"Loaves and Fishes: Unveiling the Meaning, Origin, and Modern-Day Lessons of Self-Interest"

📚 Meaning of "Loaves and Fishes" The phrase "loaves and fishes" refers to material gain or rewards, especially when these are the primary or sole motivation behind an action. It is often used in a critical or disapproving context to describe people who are driven by self-interest or worldly benefits rather than by genuine faith, service, or goodwill. In a broader sense, the expression highlights the tendency of individuals to pursue material prosperity or earthly rewards over spiritual or altruistic values. 🕰️ Origin of "Loaves and Fishes" The origin of this phrase is deeply rooted in the Bible , specifically in the New Testament . It references one of Jesus Christ's most famous miracles — the feeding of the five thousand , as recounted in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:31–44, Luke 9:12–17, and John 6:1–14). 📖 Biblical Account: According to the narrative, a large crowd had gathered to listen to Jesus. As ...

Close but No Cigar: Meaning, Origin, and Everyday Use of the Idiom

Idioms are colorful expressions that bring life and nuance to language. They let us say more with fewer words while adding personality and cultural depth. One such phrase you may have heard in movies, sports commentary, or everyday conversations is “close but no cigar.” But what does it really mean, and why a cigar? Meaning The idiom “close but no cigar” means someone came very near to success but ultimately fell short. It’s often used when someone almost wins a contest, nearly answers correctly, or just misses an opportunity. In short, it’s a playful way to say “almost, but not quite.” Origin/History The phrase dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. During that time, cigars were common prizes at carnival games and fairground competitions. If a player nearly won but didn’t quite succeed, the carnival barker might say, “Close, but no cigar!” The expression eventually left the carnival grounds and entered popular culture, especially after being used in movies a...

🌿 The Meaning of “Getting On in Years” – More Than Just Growing Older

Aging is a universal experience, but the way we talk about it reveals a lot about our perspective on life. One such expression is “getting on in years.” While it might sound gentle and almost poetic, this phrase carries depth, emotion, and even respect. Let’s take a closer look at what it truly means, how it's used, and why it’s still relevant today. 🕰️ What Does “Getting On in Years” Mean? The phrase “getting on in years” is a polite and idiomatic way to refer to someone aging or growing older. Rather than plainly saying someone is old—which may come across as blunt or even disrespectful—this expression softens the tone and adds a sense of dignity to the process of aging. It typically applies to people who are in their middle age or senior years , and it's often used in both casual and formal conversations. It subtly acknowledges the passage of time without sounding negative or judgmental. For example: "My grandfather is really getting on in years , but he stil...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog