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

Academia

Science

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 emphasize a continuing series of successes, not just a single event. For instance, say "The company is on a roll with innovative product launches" rather than "The company was on a roll with that one product launch."

Common error

While "on a roll" is a useful idiom, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "in a groove" or "riding high" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a roll" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a predicate adjective or adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly expresses someone's success or progress in something. It describes a state of continuous positive momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a roll" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a period of sustained success or positive momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it appears in academic and scientific sources as well. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "in a groove" or "hitting their stride". Remember to use "on a roll" when highlighting a series of successes rather than a single event, and be mindful of overuse in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a groove

Suggests a comfortable and efficient rhythm of success, implying ease and flow.

hitting their stride

Implies reaching a point of optimal performance after a period of development or adjustment.

at the peak of their game

Indicates performing at the highest possible level of skill and achievement.

enjoying a winning streak

Specifically refers to a series of consecutive wins or successes.

riding high

Suggests a feeling of exhilaration and confidence due to recent success.

in top form

Implies being in excellent physical or mental condition for achieving success.

having a golden touch

Suggests an ability to succeed in almost anything attempted.

things are going well

A general statement of positive progress, lacking the intensity of "on a roll".

experiencing a purple patch

A British idiom for a period of unusual success or good luck.

making great headway

Focuses on progress and advancement rather than overall success.

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 example, "After the positive reviews, the movie is "on a roll" at the box office" or "She's "on a roll" with her new business venture".

What are some alternatives to saying "on a roll"?

Instead of "on a roll", you could say "in a groove", "hitting their stride", or "enjoying a winning streak", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "on a roll" in formal writing?

While "on a roll" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "making significant progress" or "experiencing sustained success".

What does it mean to be "on a roll"?

To be "on a roll" means to be experiencing a period of continued success or good fortune. It suggests that things are going well and that positive outcomes are happening consistently.