draw on

Verb

draw on (third-person singular simple present draws on, present participle drawing on, simple past drew on, past participle drawn on)

1. (literally) To sketch or mark with pencil, crayon, etc., on a given surface.
2. (also draw upon) To appeal to, make a demand of, rely on; to utilize or make use of, as a source.
   • Without the proper resources, the young manager drew on his imagination to solve the crisis.
   • January 19 1782, Benjamin Franklin, letter to John Jay
     but I would have you draw on me for a Quarter at present which shall be paid
3. To advance, continue; to move or pass slowly or continuously, as under a pulling force.
   • As the day draws on, the oxen will begin to show fatigue.
4. To approach, come nearer, as evening.
   • Evening is drawing on; we'd better call it a day.
   • In his bones, he sensed winter was drawing on sooner than usual.
5. (transitive) To put on (a garment).
   • He heard the silken rustle of a dressing-gown being drawn on.1994, Stephen Fry, chapter 2, in The Hippopotamus
6. (transitive) To draw the trigger of a gun, so as to fire upon (something).
   • I drew on the pheasant as it rose.