clap on
To temporarily add something to an existing part, especially to add an additional sail…To temporarily add something to an existing part, especially to add an additional sail to take advantage of a fair wind.
» I clapped him on the back.
Meaning
4 senses(transitive)To temporarily add something to an existing part, especially to add an additional sail to take advantage of a fair wind.
(transitive)To encourage by (or as if by) applauding.
(UK, colloquial)To talk at tedious length; to whinge.
(US, dated, slang)To decide to make a concerted effort to do something; to operate with dedication and vigor.
- apply carelessly
Examples
4 sentencesI clapped him on the back.
He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
I have never clapped eyes on you before.
"A merry Christmas, Bob!" said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back.
de„Frohe Weihnachten, Bob!“ sagte Scrooge und klopfte ihm mit einem Ernst auf den Rücken, der nicht misszuverstehen war. — Pfirsichbaeumchen
Forms
claps on, clapping on, clapped on, clapped on| Base form | clap on · to clap on |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | claps on |
| Present participle | clapping on |
| Past simple | clapped on |
| Past participle | clapped on |
irregular
Phrasal verbs
5 phrasal verbs- clap upTo imprison
- clap outTo clap to the rhythm of (a song).
- clap onTo temporarily add something to an existing part, especially to add an additional sail to take advantage of a fair wind.
- clap inTo enter or leave a place vigorously (as a clap of thunder); to proceed vigorously.
- clap backTo make a witty or sarcastic retort.
Synonyms
2 synonymsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Phrasal verbs: introduction — Because it is a phrasal verb