tod

IPA/tɒd/
KK[tˈɑd]IPA/tɑːd/

tod — noun

1. to be by yourself, without anyone else present; used in informal British convers

1.nounB2
Definition

to be by yourself, without anyone else present; used in informal British conversation as part of the fixed phrase 'on one's tod' — for example, spending an evening alone at home, or going somewhere without company.

Example

Devika spent the whole weekend on her tod after her flatmates went to visit family.

grammar pattern: on + possessive + tod

Cole ended up on his tod at the pub because his friends were running late.

Common collocations
  • on my tod
  • on your tod
  • on his tod
  • on her tod
  • on one's tod
Synonyms
  • alone

    neutral register, works in all contexts and varieties of English

  • by yourself

    slightly informal but widely used on both sides of the Atlantic

  • on your own

    common in both British and American English, slightly more formal than 'on your tod'

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

on + possessive + tod

Usage Note

Fixed expression originating in Cockney rhyming slang: 'Tod Sloan' (a famous jockey) rhymes with 'alone'. A possessive determiner (my, your, his, her, etc.) is obligatory — you cannot say 'on tod' without it. This expression is informal and chiefly British; a learner is unlikely to hear it in North America.

Common Mistakes

I went there on tod.
I went there on my tod.
The possessive determiner (my, your, his, her, etc.) is required before 'tod'.
She was alone on her tod.
She was on her tod.
Adding 'alone' is redundant since the phrase already means 'alone'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All of these describe being without other people, but they differ in register and context. 'Alone' is the most neutral and widely used — it works in formal writing and casual speech alike. 'By yourself' and 'on your own' are slightly more informal but still standard across all varieties of English. 'Solo' is often used for deliberate, planned solitude ('a solo trip', 'flying solo'). 'Unaccompanied' is formal and typically used in official or travel contexts ('unaccompanied minors'). The expression 'on your tod' is by far the most restricted — it is informal, British-only, and always requires the possessive determiner before 'tod'. For example: 'She travelled alone to Japan' is neutral, while 'She went on her tod to the pub' is distinctly British slang.

alone ↗by yourselfon your ownsolo ↗unaccompanied ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • on my tod
  • on your tod
  • on his tod
  • on her tod

Prepositions

Etymology

English (Cockney rhyming slang)from the proper name Tod Sloan

From Cockney rhyming slang, where 'Tod Sloan' (the name of a famous American jockey, active around 1900) rhymes with 'alone'. The phrase 'on your Tod Sloan' was shortened to 'on your tod' over time, keeping the rhyming slang pattern that is common in London's East End. This expression is first recorded in the early 20th century.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined above Noun (2)