on the air

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase on the air, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression on the air used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "on the air"

Meaning

The phrase “on the air” is typically used to describe a program that is currently airing on a radio or television broadcast. It is also sometimes used to describe a person who is on the air, meaning that they are a broadcaster, or are currently hosting a show on the air. In both of these cases, “on the air” typically implies that the program or individual is currently broadcasting, and may or may not continue to be broadcast in the near future.

Etymology

The phrase “on the air” is believed to have originated in the early days of radio broadcasting. In the beginning, radio broadcasts were limited to only a few stations, and the term “on the air” was used to refer to programs that were being broadcast to a wide audience. As radio broadcasting became more widespread, the term “on the air” began to be used more generally to refer to any program that was currently being broadcast.

Usage

The phrase “on the air” is most commonly used in the context of radio or television broadcasting. It is typically used to refer to programs that are currently airing, though it can also be used to describe people who are currently working as broadcasters. For example, a radio station may advertise that their show is “on the air,” indicating that it is currently airing, or a news anchor may refer to themselves as being “on the air,” indicating that they are currently hosting their program. Additionally, it is sometimes used to refer to a program or individual who has recently aired or been on the air, or will air or be on the air in the near future.

Example Sentences

• The show is currently on the air. Tune in now!
• We're going on the air in five minutes, so get ready.
• The broadcaster has been on the air for over 10 years.
• The new show is scheduled to go on the air next month.

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.