On your toes Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈtoʊz
ON-yer-TOHZ
ˈɒn/ /jˈɔː/ /tˈəʊz
ON-yaw-TOHZ
Definition
To be alert and ready to react, especially when something is unpredictable or could change suddenly.
Usage & Nuances
'On your toes' is informal and often used to describe people staying alert at work, in sports, or in any situation where things may change quickly. It's used in the continuous: 'keep/stay/remain on your toes.' Not literal—doesn't mean standing on your tiptoes.
Spanish: estar atento - estar alertaPortuguese (BR): ficar atento - ficar espertoPortuguese (PT): estar alerta - estar atentoChinese (Simplified): 保持警觉 - 保持警惕Chinese (Traditional): 保持警覺 - 保持警惕Hindi: सावधान रहना - चौकस रहनाArabic: ابقَ متيقظًا - كن على أهبة الاستعدادBengali: সতর্ক - সতেজRussian: настороже - в готовностиJapanese: 油断しない - 注意を怠らないVietnamese: cảnh giác - sẵn sàng đối phóKorean: 긴장하다 - 항상 대비하다Turkish: tetikte olmak - dikkatli olmakUrdu: چوکنا رہنا - تیار رہناIndonesian: waspada - siap siaga
Example Sentences
You have to stay on your toes in this job.
basic
Teachers have to be on their toes with young children.
basic
The coach told the team to keep on their toes during the game.
basic
With two little kids, you really have to be on your toes all day.
natural
This fast-paced job keeps me on my toes.
natural
Traveling to new places really keeps you on your toes.
natural