on the pill: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘on the pill’ mean?

The idiom on the pill refers to someone who is using birth control medication, usually in the form of oral contraceptives.

Idiom Explorer

The Hidden Significance

The idiom "on the pill" is commonly used to describe a person, typically a woman, who is taking oral contraceptives. It specifically refers to birth control pills, which are a convenient and effective method of preventing pregnancy. The term "on the pill" emerged in the 1960s when birth control pills were introduced and widely used. Since then, it has become a popular phrase used in conversations about birth control, pregnancy prevention, and sexual health.

"drug on the market" is another idiom related to "on the pill." This phrase is used to describe a new medication that has been recently introduced and is available for sale. Similar to how the birth control pill revolutionized contraception, a "drug on the market" is a medication that has the potential to have a significant impact on the medical field. It is important to note that the term "on the pill" does not specifically refer to medications other than birth control pills, so it may not be suitable to use in the context of discussing other drugs on the market.

Women's health includes birth control and contraception for reproductive health.

"pill mill" is an idiom that is unrelated to the use of birth control pills. It is used to describe a medical facility or clinic that unscrupulously prescribes and dispenses large quantities of prescription medications, often without proper medical justification. While the term "pill mill" is related to the concept of pills, it has negative connotations and should not be confused with the idiom "on the pill" which refers to the use of birth control pills or other forms of contraception.

"take the cure" is an idiom that is also unrelated to the use of birth control pills. It is used to describe a person seeking medical treatment or a remedy for a particular condition. While "on the pill" may be used in the context of seeking pregnancy prevention or contraception, "take the cure" is more commonly used to refer to seeking relief from an illness or medical condition. Therefore, the idioms "on the pill" and "take the cure" are not directly related, and caution should be exercised when using them together in a sentence.

Lastly, "on the button" is an idiom that means being exactly on time or in the right place. It has no direct connection to the use of birth control pills. While both idioms contain the word "on," they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

The idiom "on the pill" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone, typically a woman, who is taking birth control pills or using any other form of contraception. It emerged in the 1960s with the introduction of the birth control pill and is widely used in conversations about contraception and sexual health. While it may sometimes carry a negative connotation, it is important to use this idiom with respect and understanding. Remember, "on the pill" refers specifically to the use of birth control pills and does not encompass other medications or medical conditions.

Example usage

1. She started taking the pill to prevent pregnancy.

2. It's important to remember to take the pill at the same time every day.

3. He asked her if she was on the pill before they had unprotected sex.

More "Contraception" idioms

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