English Reference

Phrasal verb

sit on

Definition

phrasal verb. to delay taking action or making a decision about something, often for a long time.

phrasal verb. to delay dealing with or responding to something, such as information, a request, or a decision. Transitive; implies a deliberate or negligent lack of progress.

Examples

“The manager is sitting on my application.”

“The committee has been sitting on the report for months, refusing to release the findings to the public.”

“The government was accused of sitting on the evidence until after the election to avoid a scandal.”

Examples

simple

“The manager is sitting on my application.”

contextual

“The committee has been sitting on the report for months, refusing to release the findings to the public.”

complex

“The government was accused of sitting on the evidence until after the election to avoid a scandal.”

Usage

usually takes an inanimate object like a report, a decision, or a piece of news.

Teaching tip

contrast with the literal sense of sitting on a chair; the figurative sense implies the weight of the person is preventing the object from moving forward.

Pitfall

They are sitting on to the news.

They are sitting on the news.

the preposition 'on' functions as the particle; adding 'to' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

sit + on + object

Synonyms

delayhold upstallpostpone

Antonyms

act onexpediterelease

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference