on tap
7
3.4
- idiom
:
de barril
- What's on tap today?
- beer on tap
- brew on tap
- craft beer on tap
Examples
-
What kind of beer you have on tap?
-
In many areas of the world, water on tap is still an unheard-of luxury.
Blog text (27) -
We got fresh beer on tap, so I want you to fall in.
-
I'll take whatever you have on tap.
-
So, what's on tap for tonight, L.A.?
-
More than 100 craft beers are available, including 50 on tap.
Blog text (17) -
It's the only bar in the city with Fresca on tap.
-
Local ale on tap.
Fiction book (1999) -
"We've got Heineken, Red Stripe, Dos Equis, Corona, Kirin, and Guinness on tap."
Fiction book (2002) -
The bar offers a variety of craft beers on tap, so you can enjoy them fresh.
How Available
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is partially derivable: 'tap' (a source or outlet, or to draw from a supply) plus 'on' (indicating active/available) suggests something is currently available, so learners familiar with those senses can often infer availability. However, the extended, idiomatic use (from a physical tap to general readiness) is not fully predictable for an average B1 learner, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
On tap comes from pubs and kitchens where beer or water is kept connected to a tap so it can be poured straight away. So it means 'available to be served'.