roll on

To keep moving forward, usually on wheels or by turning over.

• The train rolled on.
• Our cart rolled on down the narrow road.
• The ball kept rolling on until it reached the wall.

Similar words: continue, keep moving

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: roll on slowly, roll on ahead, roll on forward

If time does this, it continues to pass.

• The years rolled on.
• As the months rolled on, we heard less from him.
• Time rolls on, and the village keeps changing.

Similar words: pass, go by, elapse

Common phrases: roll on slowly, roll on endlessly

To put something onto a surface, or move it into place, by rolling.

• He rolled on some deodorant.
• We rolled on a fresh coat of paint.
• The workers rolled the cargo on to the waiting ship.

How to use it: roll something on (She rolled the paint on in a thin layer.); roll something on to something (They rolled the heavy cart on to the trailer.)

Common phrases: roll on paint, roll on deodorant, roll on something

To tell the authorities about someone’s crimes, often because you are under pressure.

• He rolled on his partner.
• The police hoped one suspect would roll on the others.
• She rolled on the gang in exchange for a shorter sentence.

How to use it: roll on someone (He refused to roll on his partner when the police questioned him.)

Similar words: inform on, snitch on

Common phrases: roll on someone, roll on friends

Used to say that you are excited about a future event and want it to happen soon.

• Roll on summer!
• Only two more exams left. Roll on Friday!
• This has been a long week. Roll on the weekend!

How to use it: roll on + future time/event (Roll on the weekend! I need a rest.)

Similar words: can’t wait

Common phrases: roll on summer, roll on Friday, roll on tomorrow