on tap

tap ¹  (tp)

v. tapped, tap·ping, taps

v.tr.

1. To strike gently with a light blow or blows: I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.

2. To give a light rap with: tap a pencil.

3. To produce with a succession of light blows: tap out a rhythm.

4. To select, as for membership in an organization; designate. See Synonyms at appoint.

5.

a. To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.

b. To attach metal plates to (shoe toes or heels).

v.intr.

1. To deliver a gentle, light blow or blows.

2. To walk making light clicks.

n.

1.

a. A gentle blow.

b. The sound made by such a blow.

2.

a. A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.

b. A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.

3. Linguistics See flap.

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[Middle English tappen, possibly from Old French taper.]

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tap ²  (tp)

n.

1. A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.

2. A plug for a bunghole; a spigot.

3.

a. Liquor drawn from a spigot.

b. Liquor of a particular brew, cask, or quality.

4. Medicine The removal of fluid from a body cavity: a spinal tap.

5. A tool for cutting an internal screw thread.

6. A makeshift terminal in an electric circuit.

7. A wiretap.

tr.v. tapped, tap·ping, taps

1. To furnish with a spigot or tap.

2. To pierce in order to draw off liquid: tap a maple tree.

3. To draw (liquid) from a vessel or container: tap a new keg of beer.

4. Medicine To withdraw fluid from (a body cavity).

5. To make a physical connection with or open outlets from: tap a water main.

6.

a. To wiretap (a telephone).

b. To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.

7. To establish access to or a connection with: tapped a new market for inexpensive books.

8. To take advantage of; make use of: tapped voter anger to win the election.

9. To cut screw threads in (a collar, socket, or other fitting).

10. Informal To ask (a person) for money.

Phrasal Verb:

tap into

1. To establish a connection with; have access to: tapped into a new market for their products.

2. To take advantage of: tapped into their enthusiasm to improve the school.

Idiom:

on tap

1. Ready to be drawn; in a tapped cask: beer on tap.

2. Available for immediate use; ready: extra personnel on tap.

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[Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa.]

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	on tap - (of liquids) available by turning a tap; "ale on tap"; "hot and cold running water on tap" available - obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service; "kept a fire extinguisher available"; "much information is available through computers"; "available in many colors"; "the list of available candidates is unusually long"
	2.	on tap - available for immediate use; "extra personnel on tap"; "other sports and entertainment facilities are on tap"; "there are numerous projects on tap" available - obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service; "kept a fire extinguisher available"; "much information is available through computers"; "available in many colors"; "the list of available candidates is unusually long"