The Expression

The expression of the week is a phrase that you will hear in informal English. “on a roll,” usually has a very positive meaning.

The meaning

The person who is on a roll is happy because he/she is doing his/her tasks well. He/she is productive and does not want to stop what he/she is doing.

For example, if you are at work and the work day is going very well. You are getting many things done and you are doing well. But it is time to stop for lunch. You can say, “I don’t want to stop. I’m on a roll.” Or your colleague will say, “She’s on a roll and doesn’t want to stop for lunch.”

Recognizing the Phrase

Teacher, how do I know that native speakers are using this phrase?

Good question. This phrase is easy to recognize. It is usually said or written with a pronoun and the verb “to be.

I am on a roll.

She is on a roll.

This is often said or written with a contraction.

Don’t interrupt me. I’m on a roll.

Leave her alone. She’s on a roll.

When you hear the phrase, just listen for the pronoun or person’s name.

One Special Note

Only be careful of one thing: the pronoun “it.” In this case, the phrase is talking about a bread roll. The “it” might be cheese, meat, or butter, and the phrase has a very different meaning. This is rare in casual English. When we use the bread meaning, we will usually say the thing that is on the bread roll.

I love putting butter on a roll. It’s really tasty.

Do you like peanut butter and jelly on a roll?

Or the “it” is mentioned before.

Do you like grilled chicken? Yes, I love it on a roll.

More Examples

or name