This
database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available.
American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time.
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To be paying attention, to respond promptly, to be
doing one's job.
If you were a bit more on the ball, we might have averted the reactor melt down. From the early days of baseball, a pitcher who "had nothing on the ball" was one who was having a bad outing. The term implies that the pitcher has no control or speed on the ball.
on the ball What does on the ball mean?
to be intelligent, to be able to do things well
He is on the ball and can usually get his work done quickly.
on the ball What does on the ball mean?
intelligent, able to do things well
The man is on the ball and can usually get his work done quickly.