What does “Keep your eye on the ball” mean?
"Keep your eye on the ball" means to stay focused and pay attention to what is happening or what needs to be done.
What context can I use the in?
Example
During the meeting, it's important to keep your eye on the ball and not get distracted.
Example
In order to succeed, you have to keep your eye on the ball and not lose sight of your goals.
Example
When driving, it's crucial to keep your eye on the ball and be aware of your surroundings
Is “Keep your eye on the ball” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep your eye on the ball” 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 your eye on the ball” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep your eye on the ball" to emphasize the importance of staying focused and paying attention to what is happening or what needs to be done. For example, if someone is easily distracted during a meeting, you might say, 'During the meeting, it's important to keep your eye on the ball and not get distracted.'
- 1Work
In order to succeed, you have to keep your eye on the ball and not lose sight of your goals.
- 2Sports
During the game, it's crucial to keep your eye on the ball and be aware of your surroundings.
- 3Driving
When driving, it's important to keep your eye on the ball and be attentive to the road.
Similar phrases to “Keep your eye on the ball”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep your eye on the ball” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep your eye on the ball" is unknown.
Is “Keep your eye on the ball” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep your eye on the ball" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind someone to stay focused and not lose sight of their objectives.
What tone does “Keep your eye on the ball” have?
"Keep your eye on the ball" conveys a tone of attentiveness and focus. It is typically used in a supportive context to encourage someone to remain concentrated and not be distracted by other things.
Can “Keep your eye on the ball” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Keep your eye on the ball" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that emphasizes the importance of staying focused. You can use it in various situations, such as work meetings, sports events, or even while driving.
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, 'During the presentation, make sure to keep your eye on the ball and stay focused.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't forget to "keep your eye on the ball"!' to remind someone to stay focused.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- stay focused
- pay attention
- be vigilant
- stay concentrated
- stay attentive
Antonyms
- daydream
- lose focus
- get distracted
- zone out
- be inattentive