ENGLISH
REFERENCE

think on one's feet

idiom
Meaning

When one is in the middle of a process, activity, or conversation, to adjust rapidly, effectively, and intelligently to new developments or changing circumstances.


Examples
SIMPLE

You must learn to think on your feet during job interviews.

CONTEXTUAL

When the projector broke during his presentation, he had to think on his feet and explain the slides without any images.

COMPLEX

The seasoned diplomat proved his worth by thinking on his feet, skillfully navigating the unexpected objections raised by the opposition during the high-stakes negotiations.

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.

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