Do not index
Do not index
What does "Be on the ball" mean?
To be alert, attentive, and quick to respond to situations or tasks.
When do you use "Be on the ball"?
This phrase is appropriate in professional settings, casual conversations, or when discussing someone's attentiveness or competence in various tasks or situations.
"Be on the ball" Usage Examples
- If you want to succeed in this fast-paced environment, you need to be on the ball.
- She was really on the ball during the meeting and had all the answers ready.
- I need you to be on the ball today; we have a lot of important deadlines to meet.
- The team has been on the ball lately, consistently meeting their targets.
- To win the game, you have to be on the ball and anticipate the opponent's moves.
"Be on the ball" Explained
The phrase 'be on the ball' is believed to have originated from sports, particularly baseball or football, where being 'on the ball' means being focused and ready to react quickly to the play. The phrase suggests that a player who is alert and aware is more likely to succeed, translating into everyday language as being sharp and competent.