Keep (one) on (one's) toes In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "keep (one) on (one's) toes", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2022-03-11 02:03

Meaning of Keep (one) on (one's) toes

Keep (one) on (one's) toes verb phrase

If someone or something keeps one on one's toes, they force him or her to stay active and focused.

Asking students to answer questions keeps them on their toes.

Babysitting is a job keeping people on their toes because dangerous situations can happen at any time.

The project has kept me on my toes for 2 months.

Other phrases about:

have/keep your wits about you

To stay calm in a difficult situation and react to unexpected things quickly

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Used to warn readers that an important detail of the plot is about to be revealed

keep your friends close and your enemies closer

To keep an eye on your enemies' behavior in order to avoid any malicious actions

mark (one's) card

To give someone information

on (one's) (own) head be it

To warn someone that they are responsible for their actions, plans.
 

Grammar and Usage of Keep (one) on (one's) toes

Verb Forms

  • keeping (one) on (one's) toes
  • kept (one) on (one's) toes
  • keeps (one) on (one's) toes

The verb "keep" must be conjugated according to its tense.
 

Origin of Keep (one) on (one's) toes

The origin of this phrase is not clear.
 

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To do something in an unusual way

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I guess I like to run against the grain in everything I do.

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