on one's toes
Meaning: Alert and ready to react.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The surprise inspections keep the staff on their toes.”
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: Like an athlete or boxer poised on the balls of the feet. The phrase is common from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Être sur le qui-vive — literally: To be on the who-lives
More idioms — Body & Senses
- blood will tell — Family background and inherited character eventually show.
- at the top of one's lungs — As loudly as possible.
- a stab in the back — A betrayal by someone one trusted.
- freeze one's butt off — To be extremely cold.
- have a nerve — To be rude or bold in a way that shocks others.
- get on someone's nerves — To annoy someone.
More English idioms
- left high and dry — Stranded or abandoned without help.
- an old wives' tale — A traditional belief, especially about health, that is not true.
- a pen-pusher — A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
- a word to the wise — A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.
- a shot across the bow — A warning of more serious action to come.
- at a snail's pace — Very slowly.
From our compliments & insults
- Tienes mucho arte — You have natural flair, charm, and creative talent — an effortless quality that can't be…
- Eres todo un personaje — Said with deep affection: you're unforgettable, one of a kind, impossible to replace.
- Sei una forza della natura — You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.