be on a roll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on a roll" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to be experiencing a series of successes or good luck. You can use it to describe someone who is doing well or in a state of consistent success. Example: - "After struggling for months, I'm finally on a roll with my new business venture." - "The team has been on a roll this season, winning every game so far." - "She's been on a roll lately, acing all of her exams and getting a promotion at work." - "Ever since he started his new workout routine, he's been on a roll with his fitness goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

On the surface, Qatar appears to be on a roll.

The New York Times

Indeed, his campaign appears to be on a roll.

The New York Times

General Motors seems to be on a roll right now.

The New York Times

The Devils must really be on a roll.

The New York Times - Sports

Post-Oldham, Corbyn might even be on a roll.

The Guardian

The young Croatian-born German designer Damir Doma seems to be on a roll.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Wool is on a roll.

Independent

"She is on a roll".

The New York Times

He's on a roll!

The New York Times

Moncler is on a roll.

The New York Times

"He was on a roll".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for international audiences, be mindful that while "be on a roll" is widely understood, some alternatives such as "enjoying a purple patch" are more common in specific regions like the UK.

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations of "be on a roll"—it's an idiom, not a literal description of movement. Using it in contexts where physical rolling is implied would be incorrect. Instead, apply it to situations involving consecutive successes or positive outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on a roll" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a predicate within a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to describe a state of consistent success or positive momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on a roll" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe a state of ongoing success or positive momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of consistent achievement and avoid literal interpretations. While it's generally acceptable in most situations, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "making significant progress". Always remember to check Ludwig for examples and guidance on usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a successful streak

Emphasizes a series of successes rather than a general state.

experiencing a winning phase

Highlights a period of winning or achieving goals.

on a hot streak

Suggests a sudden and intense period of success, often in gambling or sports.

riding a wave of success

Suggests that success is carrying someone forward, often implying an element of luck.

making great strides

Emphasizes progress and advancement.

in a period of prosperity

Focuses on financial success or overall well-being.

gaining momentum

Highlights the increasing speed and force of one's progress.

at the peak of one's game

Implies performing at the highest level of one's ability.

advancing rapidly

Focuses on quick and significant advancement.

enjoying a purple patch

Describes a period of unusual success or good fortune; more common in British English.

FAQs

How can I use "be on a roll" in a sentence?

You can use "be on a roll" to describe a person, team, or organization that is experiencing a period of success. For example, "After a string of successful product launches, the company seems to "be on a roll"."

What does it mean when someone says they "are on a roll"?

It means they are experiencing a series of successes or good fortune. It suggests momentum and consistent positive outcomes, making them "be on a roll".

What can I say instead of "be on a roll"?

You can use alternatives like "having a successful streak", "riding a wave of success", or "gaining momentum" depending on the context.

Is "be on a roll" formal or informal language?

"Be on a roll" is generally considered informal to neutral. It's suitable for most everyday conversations and writing but may not be appropriate for highly formal academic or professional contexts. In such cases, "making significant progress" may be more suitable.