On the ball Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɔɫ
AWN-thuh-BAWL
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈɔːl
ON-thuh-BAWL
Definition
If you are 'on the ball', you are alert, aware, and able to deal with things quickly and effectively.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly informal. Used to praise someone's alertness, speed, or competence. Common in the workplace and casual conversations. Often used in the structure 'be on the ball', as in 'She is really on the ball today.' Not used for people who are slow or distracted.
Spanish: atento - alertaPortuguese (BR): ligado - atentoPortuguese (PT): atento - perspicazChinese (Simplified): 头脑灵活 - 反应敏捷Chinese (Traditional): 頭腦靈活 - 反應敏捷Hindi: चौकस - सतर्कArabic: منتبه - يقظBengali: সতর্ক - সজাগ - তৎপরRussian: на чеку - внимателенJapanese: 抜け目がない - しっかりしているVietnamese: nhanh nhạy - nắm bắt tốtKorean: 민첩하다 - 눈치가 빠르다Turkish: dikkatli - uyanıkUrdu: چوکَنا - ہوشیارIndonesian: sigap - waspada
Example Sentences
She's always on the ball during meetings.
basic
You have to be on the ball in this job.
basic
My assistant is really on the ball.
basic
Wow, you're really on the ball today!
natural
If you want to keep up here, you've got to stay on the ball.
natural
She caught the mistake right away—she's always on the ball.
natural