On a roll

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

On a roll|Idiomatic Phrase|Experiencing a sustained period of success, good luck, or high productivity; suggests momentum and consecutive achievements without interruption.

Detailed Definition
On a roll means enjoying a continuing run of success, energy, luck, or productivity. In poetry, the idiom can describe a speaker, performer, gambler, lover, artist, or team carried forward by momentum. The phrase suggests motion that feeds itself, as if one success makes the next easier. It is useful for poems about confidence, chance, creativity, and exhilaration. A poet may also use it ironically, since streaks end, and momentum can become carelessness when success feels too easy.
Example
Example in poetry:
A performance poem might say the young bard is on a roll after three perfect rhymes; In a sports poem, the team is on a roll as the crowd becomes thunder; The phrase means enjoying repeated success; A poet can use it for momentum, confidence, and rising energy.
Additional Notes
On a roll means enjoying a continuing series of successes or fluent momentum. The idiom can suggest dice, wheels, movement, or performance gathering speed. In poetry, it is useful for comedy, sport, creativity, argument, luck, or social confidence. Students should notice that being on a roll may feel exhilarating but unstable, since momentum can end suddenly. It pairs well with roads, games, applause, and rushing speech.
Also Known As
succeeding
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