be on the ball
Related to be on the ball: Ball games
be on the ball
slang To be attentive, knowledgeable, and quick to take action. I'm so glad that my assistant is always on the ball because I'm too scatterbrained to manage my schedule on my own. I can't believe Molly got that report done so quickly—she's really on the ball.
See also: ball, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the ball, be
Also, have something on the ball. Be especially capable or efficient, as in These programmers really have a lot on the ball. This term originated in baseball, where it was used for throwing a pitch with exceptional speed, spin, or some other deceptive motion. [Slang; early 1900s]
See also: on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
be on the ˈball
be aware of what is happening and be able to react or deal with it quickly: For the assistant manager’s job we need someone who’s really on the ball.See also: ball, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- (something) is over (one's) head
- (it's) good to hear your voice
- be at a disadvantage
- at a disadvantage
- address comments or remarks to
- address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
- address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
- be in it for
- at the point of (doing something)
- be more than (something)