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Ball Means Understand Deal Things Refers Football Player

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!”

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