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Region: General | Usage example: She stayed on the ball and caught the typo before printing.

On the ball

Meaning

Alert and quick to respond.

Usage

Compliment for attentiveness.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sports imagery of staying near the ball.

Sportswriting from the early 20th century.

Related Idioms

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Keep your eye on the ball

Stay focused on the goal.

Drop the ball

Fail to do something expected.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.