on a roll

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a roll" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to express the idea of someone being successful or making progress in something. For example, "John has been on a roll lately, closing three big deals in a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On a roll.

The New York Times

He's on a roll!

The New York Times

We're on a roll!

The New York Times - Magazine

Wool is on a roll.

Independent

"She is on a roll".

The New York Times

"He was on a roll".

The New Yorker

HE IS on a roll.

The Economist

Moncler is on a roll.

The New York Times

He's on a roll now.

Independent

BLACKROCK is on a roll.

The Economist

RODARTE is on a roll.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a roll" to describe a person, team, or organization experiencing a period of sustained success or positive momentum. It can apply to sports, business, or personal achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "on a roll" to describe a single, isolated success. The phrase implies a continuous streak of positive outcomes, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a roll" functions as an idiomatic expression describing a period of sustained success or positive momentum. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a usable phrase in English. Examples show usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a roll" is a versatile idiom used to describe a period of sustained success or positive momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Evident across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Economist, it conveys enthusiasm and optimism. While generally neutral in tone, it is more prevalent in News & Media contexts. To avoid misuse, remember that "on a roll" implies a continuous streak, not an isolated incident. Consider alternatives like "in a winning streak" or "experiencing success" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a winning streak

Focuses specifically on a series of consecutive wins or successes, emphasizing the unbroken chain of positive outcomes.

enjoying success

A more general expression indicating a favorable outcome or positive result is being experienced.

having a purple patch

Implies a period of exceptional creativity, productivity, or good luck, often more intense and shorter-lived than simply being "on a roll".

in top form

Highlights the peak condition or performance level that contributes to success.

riding high

Conveys a sense of exhilaration and confidence derived from recent achievements.

at the peak of one's game

Focuses on reaching the highest level of skill and performance in a specific area or activity.

making great strides

Highlights significant progress and advancement towards a goal or objective.

firing on all cylinders

Emphasizes the efficient and optimal functioning of all aspects of an entity or operation, leading to success.

knocking it out of the park

Suggests achieving a remarkable or outstanding success, often exceeding expectations.

going from strength to strength

Indicates continuous improvement and increasing success over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a roll" to describe someone or something experiencing a series of successes. For instance, "The team is "on a roll" after winning their last five games."

What's a more formal way to say "on a roll"?

While "on a roll" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include "experiencing a period of success" or "demonstrating consistent progress". These options are suitable for professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "onto a roll" instead of "on a roll"?

"Onto a roll" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct idiom is ""on a roll"", indicating a state of continued success.

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

When someone says they're ""on a roll"", it means they are currently experiencing a series of successes or positive outcomes, and things are going well for them.