[keep] {sb} on {one's} toes
1
to make a person be constantly worried about or ready for any possible danger or threat
The idiom "keep someone on their toes" originates from the image of someone being poised and ready for action, much like a person on their tiptoes, and it is used to describe a situation where someone is kept alert, attentive, or mentally and physically active. It is also often used in situations where people need to stay vigilant and prepared for unexpected events.
- I work with people who are half my age so that keeps me on my toes.
- The dynamic nature of her job keeps her on her toes as she must adapt to new situations daily.
- Regular quizzes in class help keep the students on their toes and engaged in the material.
- In competitive sports, staying on your toes is crucial to react quickly to opponents' moves.
- The fast-paced nature of the stock market keeps traders on their toes, monitoring changes in real-time.