Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be alert, competent, and quick to understand or react: The phrase describes someone who is mentally sharp, attentive, and effective in their actions or thinking. It implies being well-prepared and efficient.

Usage

• This phrase is informal and is used to describe a person's state of awareness or performance. It is often used in work, sports, or academic contexts to praise someone's attentiveness and capability.
• It functions as a predicate adjective, following a form of the verb "to be" (e.g., is, are, was, were).

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • You need to be on the ball during the client meeting to answer any questions.
  • Our new manager is really on the ball; she noticed the error immediately.
  • If you want to win, the whole team has to be on the ball for the entire game.

Advanced Usage

• "to stay on the ball": To maintain a state of alertness and competence over time.
  • This project is complex, so we all need to stay on the ball for the next few weeks.
• "to keep someone on their toes" (related concept): To cause someone to stay alert and ready for action, which can help them .
  • The professor's pop quizzes really keep us on our toes and make sure we are on the ball.

Variants and Related Words

• On-the-ball (adjective): Used attributively to describe a person.
  • She is a very on-the-ball administrator.
• Ball (noun): In this idiom, "ball" refers to a sphere used in games, metaphorically representing the focus of activity or attention.

Synonyms

• Be alert: To be watchful and ready.
• Be sharp: To be quick to understand.
• Be attentive: Paying close attention.
• Be efficient: Performing a task well without wasting time or effort.

Related Idioms

• On top of things: In control and aware of all important matters.
  • With all these deadlines, it's hard to stay on top of things.
• Have one's wits about one: To be alert and able to think clearly.
  • Walking alone at night, you need to have your wits about you.

Verb

1. be well-informed