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Phrase: On the ball
If you want to ensure someone is alert and paying attention, you can use today’s phrase and say to them, “Be sure you are on the ball!”
Being on the ball means you are quick to understand, ready to act, and aware of what is happening around you.
This popular idiom is used in daily conversations, at work, and in schools.
Let’s look at how you can use on the ball in different situations.
For example, if your teacher gives you homework and you finish it right away, they might say, “You are really on the ball!” as a way of giving you a compliment for a job well done.
At work, if you notice a problem before anyone else, your boss may say, “Thanks for being on the ball.”
Being on the ball is a good quality.
It shows you are responsible and reliable.
For instance, if you remember everyone’s birthday in your family, people will see you as on the ball.
If your friend is always on time and never forgets anything, you can say, “She is always on the ball.”
People who are on the ball usually do not miss deadlines or make mistakes easily.
If you want to succeed at school or work, try to be on the ball.
You can practice by paying attention, listening carefully, and acting quickly when needed.
To put it all together, being on the ball means being alert, prepared, and quick to act.
If you are on the ball, others will notice and appreciate it.
Try to use on the ball in your conversations.
Are you on the ball today?
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
This post is understandable by someone with at least a 7th-grade education (age 12).
On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 75.
The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100.
