That luggage or baggage which is taken onto an airplane with a passenger, rather than checked.Do you think they'll accept my ski poles as carry-on?
(British, NZ) An activity that is done in an excessively excitable, or anxious manner.
2002, Lynne Graham, The Italian's Wife Chapter , "I love salad",she dared when it came to the next course, and then inwardly cringed when it seemed that that was actually a special order and there was such a carry-on about what kind of salad she wanted.
The stopping, restarting, swearing and routine self-deprecation ("I'm in trouble with the vicar – eternal trouble," quips Martin) is the kind of carry-on that has fans purring with pleasure.
