in the road—
1. within the area of the road as distinct from the pavement:
- Never stand in the road to hitchhike or conduct business with passing motorists.
2. in smb.’s way; obstructing passage:
- You’re in the road—we can’t work properly while you’re standing there talking.
on the road—
1. on the surface of the road:
- We had to drive very carefully, as there was ice on the road.
2. traveling (as a commercial traveler, etc.):
- We could not resist the sheltered table and chairs which make life on the road so much easier.
3. (also: on the way) in good prospect of smth.:
- She is now well on the road to becoming one of our most successful actresses.
See also: in the way / on the way.