Search
to go on (and on) about sb/sth
01
to keep talking about a certain subject in length, particularly in a way that bores others
What is the origin of the idiom "go on about someone or something" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "go on about someone or something" is unclear but it likely comes from the phrase "to go on" which has been used for centuries to mean "to continue" or "keep speaking". This idiom was popularized in the mid-1900s and captured in songs, books and movies to describe someone who won't stop talking. It is typically used in an informal or conversational context to describe an emotionally negative experience of listening to excessive details about a topic that the speaker finds boring or uninteresting.
Example
She tends to go on about her health issues, and it can be quite tiresome to listen to.
Sarah has a tendency to go on and on about her new diet whenever we meet for lunch.
She went on and on about her trip, but after a while, I lost interest in hearing about every detail.
Whenever we discuss politics, John can't help but go on and on about his favorite political candidate.
During the meeting, John went on and on about his accomplishments, never giving anyone else a chance to speak.
Nearby Words