Idiom: Keep (someone) on his/her toes

 

"Keep on your toes"


Meaning

  • To make sure that someone gives all their attention to what they are doing and is ready for anything that might happen or 
  • If you say that someone or something keeps you on your toes, you mean that they cause you to remain alert and and prepared to deal with problems or anything that might happen.
  • If someone or something keeps you on your toes, they stop you being lazy or relaxed and force you to be ready for anything that might happen.


Example Sentences

  • Having two kids under age five sure keeps me on my toes!
  • It's always good to have a little bit of change in your job, because it keeps you on your toes, doesn't it?
  • This job really keeps me on my toes.
  • They do random checks to keep workers on their toes.
  • Inflation, which depletes the value of stocks and bonds, also keeps investors on their toes.
  • With a test every Friday, she keeps her students on their toes.
  • I work with people who are half my age, so that keeps me on my toes.
  • The boss made regular inspections in order to keep employees on their toes.
  • I was hunting the other day and I wasn't keeping on my toes and a big bear came up behind me and almost attacked.
  • There's no room for boredom in my house because with two small children to look after, I'm always kept on my toes!
  • Even though some people find it very stressful, I like the challenge of having to hit monthly sales targets because it keeps me on my toes.
  • Emily likes to keep her students on their toes by surprising them with tests every so often. It seems to be having the desired effect because their performance levels have increased.


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