on (one's) toes
- idiom
:
alerta
- To succeed in this fast-paced job, you need to stay on your toes at all times.
Examples
-
Ok, everybody, keep on your toes.
-
Stay on your toes.
-
Just trying to keep you on your toes, sir.
-
And so I keep them on their toes
-
Better be on your toes.
-
All right, everyone, on your toes!
-
Really keeps her on her toes.
-
Keeps them on their toes.
-
You have to be on your toes because I am not going to be grounded again!
-
Keep on your toes.
Synonyms
27
3.5
Alert and ready to act if danger or problems appear
6
4.4
Ready and alert to notice danger or problems
4
5.2
Able to think and answer quickly in surprising or difficult situations
Ready and careful about possible danger or problems
Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems
Antonyms
How Alert
- Specialized
1
8.6
66
6.0
82
2.8
61
3.0
∞
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The image of being literally 'on one's toes' (on + one's + toes) evokes standing poised and ready, so learners who know the constituents can often infer a sense of alertness or readiness. However, the shift from a physical posture to the abstract meaning 'alert/attentive' is metaphorical and not fully predictable for all B1 learners without prior exposure, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
On (one's) toes comes from the simple image of someone standing on their toes so they can move quickly or see better. That's why the phrase means being 'alert' and 'ready for anything'.