keep your eye on the ball

keep (one's) eye on the ball

To keep oneself very focused on something. Despite its wording, the phrase does not have to refer to baseball or another ball game. I graduated in just three years because I was able to keep my eye on the ball and prioritize my studies above all else.
See also: ball, eye, keep, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep your eye on the ball

If you keep your eye on the ball, you continue to pay close attention to what you are doing. She won widespread praise for her tough negotiating skills and her ability to keep her eye on the ball. Compare with take your eye off the ball.
See also: ball, eye, keep, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

keep your eye on (or take your eye off) the ball

keep (or fail to keep) your attention focused on the matter in hand.
See also: ball, eye, keep, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

keep your eye on the ˈball

continue to give your attention to what is most important: We’ve got to keep our eye on the ball if we want to remain successful.
See also: ball, eye, keep, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • keep (someone or something) in sight
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of
  • keep sight of (someone or something)
  • keep sight of somebody/something
  • kick (oneself) for (doing something)
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
References in periodicals archive
In some respects, it is a flawed statement to just say, "Keep your eye on the ball." What the phrase really means is: Stay focused on the ball, pay attention to everything going on in the field, and make your decisions as to what to do with the ball accordingly.
The story behind the phrase "Keep your eye on the ball" extends the ball/data metaphor further.
From the Data Governance Playbook: Keep Your Eye on the Data