be on the ball
get on the ball
have on the ball
Paying attention and doing things well. Used after is or get.
Ben is really on the ball in school.
The coach told Jim he must get on the ball or he cannot stay on the team.
Jim was the only one who caught that serious error in the bookkeeping statements. He’s really on the ball.
Ella was certainly on the ball when she remembered to reconfirm our flight arrangements. All the rest of us would have forgotten.
John will succeed in life; he has a lot on the ball.
The coach was eager to try out his new team and see what they had on the ball.
That is a skill or ability; making you good at things. Used after have.
I can't believe Molly got that report done so quickly - she really has something on the ball.
I'm so glad that my assistant has something on the ball because I'm too scatterbrained to manage my schedule on my own.
have something on the ball
To be smart, clever; to be skilled and have the necessary know-how.
You can trust Syd; he's got a lot on the ball OR he's got something on the ball.
keep one's eye on the ball
To watch the ball at all times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop watching the ball.
Keep your eye on the baseball or you won't be able to hit it.
To be watchful and ready; be wide-awake and ready to win or succeed; be smart.
Быть на чеку; контролировать ситуацию; быть расторопным.
Tom is just starting on the job but if he keeps his eye on the ball, he will be promoted.
He was told that during the meeting he must keep his eye on the ball and concentrate on the matter at hand.
Ему было приказано во время встречи быть полностью во внимании и сконцентрироваться на предмете.
We tried to keep our eye on the ball during the meeting.
Мы старались быть на чеку во время встречи.