go on

go on  {v.}

1a. To continue; not stop.

After he was hit by the ball, Billy quit pitching and went home, but the game went on.

The TV picture began to jump, and it went on like that until Father turned a knob.

I asked Jane a question but she went on reading and didn't answer.

Mother told Jim to stop, but he went on hitting Susan.

Syn.: KEEP ON.

1b. To continue after a pause; begin with the next thing.

"Go on! I'm listening," said Mother.

The teacher pointed to the map, and went on, "But the land that Columbus came to was not India." — Often used before an infinitive.

Father said Mother had gone to the hospital, and went on to say that Grandmother was coming to take care of us.

1c. (Of time:) To pass.

As time went on, Mary began to wonder if John had forgotten their date.

The years went on, and Betty's classmates became gray-haired men and women.

2. To happen.

Mr. Scott heard the noise and went to see what was going on in the hall.

The teacher knows what goes on when she leaves the room.

Syn.: TAKE PLACE.

3. To talk for too long, often angrily.

We thought Jane would never finish going on about the amount of homework she had.

4. To fit on; be able to be worn.

My little brother's coat wouldn't go on me. It was too small.

5. Stop trying to fool me; I don't believe you. — Used as a command, sometimes with "with".

When Father told Mother she was the prettiest girl in the world. Mother just said, "Oh, go on, Charles."