on the ball
The phrase "on the ball" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe someone who is alert, efficient, and competent.
Definition
B2General
(informal)Being alert and quick to respond to situations.
Example
- You have to be on the ball to catch all the details in this fast-paced job.
B2Work
(informal)Efficient and competent in one's duties.
Example
- Our new manager is really on the ball; she has improved our workflow significantly.
B2Knowledge
(informal)Well-informed and perceptive about current developments.
Example
- To succeed in this industry, you need to stay on the ball with the latest trends.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the ball":
on trackon pointon targeton the front footbe onball offup to speedball downspot onplay ballball upup to snuffballs aboutdead onon the hopno balllong ballahead of the curveon the noseon the upon sideon one's feetin tuneout on one's feeton the right footcaught on the hopnew ballon courseballs to the wallright onin the grooveon the back footon the jumpballs upsteady onwith iton the lineon the levelin touchsquare ballget on tohave a handle onon the beatup to batball outto the quickget onreturn ballat itdrop the balloff one's boxon the same wavelength