on your ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on your ass" is considered overly informal and should not be used in written English.
It is generally used as a slang term meaning "very quickly", or "unexpectedly". For example, "She got fired on her ass."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many of the one-liners are just as ominous: "I'm gonna get medieval on your ass", and, most chillingly of all, "Bring out the gimp".

The Guardian

You can't just sit on your ass for a few hours in the evenings and become one.

Vice

She'll knock you on your ass.

The New Yorker

"That's better than sitting on your ass.

The Guardian - Sport

You sit on your ass and whine all day.

The Guardian - Books

I thought you were sitting on your ass over at your mother's all day, he said.

The New Yorker

And you could be out on your ass with no job and a court appearance.

The New Yorker

Typical: all you want is to make movies, and everything gets geopolitical on your ass.

The Guardian - Film

"Five hundred dollars, in cash, by Friday, or I'm putting a curse on your ass," Greenberg said.

The New Yorker

But these are the preludes to violence; as Marsellus so delightfully promises, "I'm gonna get medieval on your ass".

The New Yorker

When asked for an unusual bottled porter, Young recommended the Oklahoma-brewed Prairie Artisan Ales Bomb (seventeen dollars), which will "knock you on your ass".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when using the phrase "on your ass". It is often perceived as informal and may not be appropriate for formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "on your ass" in academic papers, business reports, or any situation where a formal tone is expected. Opt for more professional alternatives like "under pressure" or "held accountable".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "on your ass" is as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies a verb, adverb, or noun, adding information about a state of being, location, or consequence. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on your ass" is a very common expression primarily found in informal contexts such as news and media. While grammatically sound, it's considered overly informal for professional or academic use. Ludwig AI highlights this, suggesting caution in formal settings. Alternative phrases like "under pressure" or "held accountable" are more appropriate for formal writing. When deciding to employ the phrase, consider your audience and the desired tone of your writing. Ludwig provides numerous examples to understand its use within different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under pressure

Indicates being subjected to stress or demands, similar to the consequence implied in some uses of "on your ass".

in trouble

Suggests a problematic situation or impending negative consequences, similar to the sense of being "on your ass".

in hot water

Indicates being in a precarious or unfavorable situation, similar to being 'on your ass'.

held accountable

Implies responsibility and the potential for negative repercussions, akin to being "on your ass".

being pursued relentlessly

Conveys the idea of being chased or pressured persistently, mirroring the intensity of having someone "on your ass".

facing consequences

Emphasizes the repercussions of actions, similar to the outcome implied by "on your ass".

in a difficult situation

Highlights the challenging circumstances one might face, reflecting the adversity implied when someone is "on your ass".

experiencing difficulties

Focuses on the hardships and challenges encountered, akin to the struggles implied when someone is "on your ass".

without taking action

Describes a state of inactivity, comparable to 'sitting on your ass'.

being inactive

Highlights a lack of activity or progress, similar to the inaction implied by 'sitting on your ass'.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "on your ass"?

The phrase "on your ass" is generally appropriate in informal settings, conversations with friends, or creative writing where a casual tone is desired. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "on your ass" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives such as "under pressure", "held accountable", or "facing consequences" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "on your ass" considered vulgar?

While not strictly vulgar, "on your ass" is considered informal and can be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional in certain contexts. Use with caution.

How can the meaning of "on your ass" change depending on the context?

The phrase "on your ass" can mean being pressured or pursued relentlessly, or it can refer to being inactive or lazy. The specific meaning depends on how it's used in a sentence.