# keep someone on their toes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-someone-on-their-toes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To keep someone attentive, active, busy or alert.

## Examples

- The fast-paced game keeps the players on their toes.
- My manager gives us unexpected tasks throughout the day to keep us on our toes.
- The unpredictable nature of the market keeps investors on their toes, forcing them to adapt their strategies constantly to avoid significant financial losses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.