Keep someone on their toes: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Keep someone on their toes” mean?

"Keep someone on their toes" means to actively engage someone and ensure they remain alert and ready for action.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The coach always keeps his players on their toes during practice.

Example

My boss likes to give surprise assignments to keep us on our toes.

Example

Living in a big city can be exciting because there's always something happening to keep you on your toes

Is “Keep someone on their toes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Keep someone on their toes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Keep someone on their toes” effectively in context?

You can use "Keep someone on their toes" to describe a situation where someone is constantly alert and ready for action. It implies that the person is being kept on their guard and is prepared for any unexpected events or challenges. For example, if you have a strict teacher who frequently gives surprise quizzes, you could say, 'Our teacher always keeps us on our toes with pop quizzes.'

• 1. Sports

  The coach always keeps his players on their toes during practice.

• 2. Work

  My boss likes to give surprise assignments to keep us on our toes.

• 3. City Life

  Living in a big city can be exciting because there's always something happening to keep you on your toes.

Similar phrases to “Keep someone on their toes”:

Stay on one's toes

To remain alert and ready for action

Example

He always stays on his toes during important meetings.

Be on the lookout

To be watchful and attentive for potential dangers or opportunities

Example

The security guards are always on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Stay sharp

To remain mentally alert and focused

Example

In order to solve complex problems, you need to stay sharp.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Keep someone on their toes” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Keep someone on their toes" is unknown.

Is “Keep someone on their toes” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Keep someone on their toes" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where people need to stay alert and ready for action.

What tone does “Keep someone on their toes” have?

"Keep someone on their toes" conveys a tone of vigilance and preparedness. It suggests that someone is constantly on high alert and ready to respond quickly to any situation.

Can “Keep someone on their toes” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Keep someone on their toes" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the need to stay alert and prepared. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or presentations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The coach always keeps his players on their toes during practice.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "keep someone on their toes"!' to imply the need for alertness and readiness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• stay vigilant
• be on one's guard
• be prepared
• remain attentive
• stay on top of things

Antonyms

• relax
• let one's guard down
• lower one's defenses
• be caught off guard
• be unprepared