sit on

To be a member of a committee, board, or similar group.

• He sits on the school board.
• She sat on several committees last year.
• Would you like to sit on our advisory panel?

How to use it: sit on a committee/board/panel (She sits on the hospital board.)

Similar words: serve on, be a member of

Common phrases: sit on something, sit on boards, sit on committees

To rest with your bottom on a particular surface.

• Sit on this chair.
• The cat sat on my coat.
• Why are you sitting on the floor?

How to use it: sit on something (We sat on the grass beside the lake.)

Common phrases: sit on something, sit on chairs, sit on grass

To keep something without using it, or delay dealing with it.

• Do not sit on my application.
• They have been sitting on that money for years.
• Why is the manager sitting on our proposal?

How to use it: sit on something (The company is sitting on a large amount of cash.)

Similar words: hold onto, shelve

Opposites: use

Common phrases: sit on something, sit on cash

To prevent information, ideas, or action from becoming public or moving forward.

• They sat on the report.
• The editor is sitting on evidence of the scandal.
• Why did the committee sit on those findings?

How to use it: sit on something (Officials sat on the report to avoid bad publicity.)

Similar words: suppress, block, withhold

Opposites: release

Common phrases: sit on something, sit on evidence

To firmly stop someone from behaving badly or doing what they want.

• The teacher sat on the troublemakers.
• She sat on him before he could start another argument.
• Someone needs to sit on that noisy group.

How to use it: sit on someone (The chair sat on anyone who interrupted.)

Similar words: restrain, control, keep in check

Common phrases: sit on someone, sit on troublemakers

To meet officially to investigate or discuss a case or question.

• The court sat on the case.
• A commission sat on the matter last winter.
• The judges will sit on the appeal next week.

How to use it: sit on a case/matter (The tribunal sat on the case for three days.)

Similar words: hear, deliberate on, investigate

Common phrases: sit on something, sit on cases