ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep someone on their toes

idiom
Meaning

To keep someone attentive, active, busy or alert.


Examples
SIMPLE

The fast-paced game keeps the players on their toes.

CONTEXTUAL

My manager gives us unexpected tasks throughout the day to keep us on our toes.

COMPLEX

The unpredictable nature of the market keeps investors on their toes, forcing them to adapt their strategies constantly to avoid significant financial losses.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    cobbler, keep to your last

    One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.

Last updated April 17, 2026