Question

On the ball To be on the ball means to be able to understand and deal with things well. In this saying, the “ball” refers to a football. A player who is “on the ball” – in other words has the ball by his or her feet – is in control of what’s happening. “My grandad is nearly 90, but he’s still on the ball. He does the crossword quicker than Mum or Dad can!”

Accepted Answer

What do you mean? Why does it mean this? Example

Metaphor	On the ball
Question Meaning	What do you mean?
Meaning	To be on the ball means to be able to understand and deal with things well.
Question Explanation	Why does it mean this?
Explanation	In this saying, the “ball” refers to a football. A player who is “on the ball” – in other words has the ball by his or her feet – is in control of what’s happening.
Question Example	Example
Example	“My grandad is nearly 90, but he’s still on the ball. He does the crossword quicker than Mum or Dad can!”

Ball Means Understand Deal Things Refers Football Player