ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take one's eye off the ball

idiom
Meaning

To lose one's concentration on what is most important.


Origin

disputed origin

From general sporting advice to look continuously at the ball as it moves.

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't take your eye off the ball while you are driving.

CONTEXTUAL

The company lost many customers because the manager took his eye off the ball during the expansion.

COMPLEX

Even a minor distraction can be fatal if an experienced pilot takes their eye off the ball during a difficult landing.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026