be on skates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on skates" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely understood.
It could be used in contexts related to skating or metaphorically to describe someone moving quickly or being in a precarious situation. Example: "When the deadline approached, I felt like I had to be on skates to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Sports

General descriptions

Personal experiences

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Bryant skated around Boston as the Celtics appeared to just be on skates.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have eight people here on the ice crew," said Dan Craig, the facilities operation manager for the N.H.L. "We will probably have four people on skates, and I will be on skates, and we will make sure everything is taken care of all around the rink".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Word is now spreading that the couple might alter their Olympic costumes, so that the focus will be on skating, not on cultural larceny.

The New York Times - Sports

… Anyway, I said, 'I didn't know you ice-skated' and Jackie says, 'I've never been on skates on my life.

Los Angeles Times

Basketball players are very tall, football players are frequently enormous, hockey players are on skates.

Princeton University

"I've been on skates less than two years," Stephens said.

The New York Times

I was on skates and he was not – he reminded me on the first day of shooting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's been over a year since I've been on skates, and it shows," said Aviva Schleider, 28, of Danbury.

The New York Times

The players are on skates, on ice, going full-tilt at speeds no human could hope to reach in cleats or running shoes.

The New Yorker

Mr. Madigan, the skater who had slammed into the curb, was on skates for the first time as an adult, and he admitted to being scared.

The New York Times

Here, the wheels were raised onto special rolling dollies so it could be moved — as if it were on skates — to line up with blue tape on the platform in front of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be on skates", ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to literal skating or a metaphorical sense of moving quickly or being in a precarious situation. If clarity is needed, specify the type of skates (ice skates, roller skates) or use more direct language.

Common error

Avoid using "be on skates" when a more direct and common phrase would be clearer. Overusing the metaphor can confuse your audience. Instead, opt for phrases like "moving quickly" or "in a precarious position" if the literal meaning of skating isn't intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on skates" functions primarily as a descriptive prepositional phrase. It typically describes a state of either literally wearing skates or figuratively being in a situation requiring quick movement or agility. Ludwig AI indicates it is not a common expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on skates" is a descriptive prepositional phrase that can be used literally or metaphorically, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound but relatively rare, suggesting it is not a common idiom, which also pointed by Ludwig AI. When used metaphorically, it implies quick movement or a precarious situation. Its register is generally neutral. Consider if the phrase is the clearest and most direct way to convey your intended meaning, or if a more common alternative might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be skating

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing, focusing on the action itself.

be rollerblading

This specifies a particular type of skating, focusing on inline skates.

be ice skating

This specifies ice skating as the form of skating.

be actively skating

Emphasizes the continuous and dynamic aspect of skating.

be in motion

This expresses the general idea of moving, without specifying the means.

be mobile

Indicates the ability to move easily.

be on the move

Suggests being active and traveling or changing location.

be sliding

Focuses on the action of sliding, similar to skating.

be gliding

Emphasizes smooth and effortless movement.

move swiftly

Indicates quick and rapid movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "be on skates" to describe someone literally wearing skates, or metaphorically to suggest they are moving quickly or in a precarious situation. For example: "The hockey players were on skates" or "He felt like he had to be on skates to meet the deadline".

What does it mean to "be on skates" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, to "be on skates" can mean to be moving very quickly or to be in a situation where one must act fast to avoid problems. It implies a need for agility and balance.

What are some alternatives to "be on skates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be skating", "be moving quickly", or "be in a precarious situation".

Is "be on skates" a common expression?

The expression "be on skates" is not a particularly common idiom. It's more likely to be used in a literal sense or in specific contexts where the imagery of skating is relevant. More common alternatives might be clearer in many situations.