on the ball

Meaning

1. Oxford67% of films

   to be aware of and understand what is happening and able to react quickly

   No, I don't, sir. Let's see if we can stay on the ball.

   Damn it, man! Get on the ball! Call an ambulance!

In the movies · 8

• No, I don't, sir. Let's see if we can stay on the ball.Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb1964
• Damn it, man! Get on the ball! Call an ambulance!The Towering Inferno1974
• Look around. Go out with someone who has something on the ball, who's going somewhere in life.Scarface1983
• On the ball!The Longest Yard2005
• Line up on the ball.The Waterboy1998
• Keep your eyes on the ball and above all...5 to 72014
• Okay. Scotty, keep your eye on the ball.The Sandlot1993
• On the ball field, I fit right in.Front of the Class2008

Learn it in full scenes

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb1964
  • Major Kong's Pep Talk
  • General Turgidson Dodges Calls
  • Mandrake Confronts General Ripper
• 5 to 72014
  • Brian Meets Arielle in a Cafe
  • The 5 to 7 Rule
  • Arielle Sets the Rules
• Front of the Class2008
  • Brad Asks for a Chance
  • Brad's Tics Drive His Family Crazy
  • Brad's Childhood with Tourette's

From the same entry

• a ball and chain
• the ball is in your court
• a ball of fire
• get the ball rolling
• have a ball
• have lot on the ball
• pick up the ball and run with it
• play ball
• the whole ball of wax
• carry the ball
• drop the ball
• keep your eye on the ball

More idioms

• go all the way
• a blast from the past
• a show of hands
• come out of your shell
• from the word go
• get a handle on
• have time on your hands
• keep at a distance
• on the edge of your seat
• take to heart
• the rules of the game
• to your heart's content