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Introduction

This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I'm Feifei, and I thought Georgie was going to join me today…

Georgie
BOO!

Feifei
Oh, you were hiding under the desk! Why did you do that? We're supposed to be recording a programme.

Georgie
Feifei, I love playing jokes on people. You should never get too relaxed around here. I'm just trying to keep you on your toes.

Feifei
Keep me on my toes… Well, shall we learn that expression then?

Georgie
I think that's a good idea. If you keep someone on their toes, it means you do something to make sure a person stays alert. Think about it literally – if you're standing or walking around on your toes, you're slightly tense and ready to move, rather than being relaxed. You're ready for anything that might happen.

Feifei
Yes. Think about a boxer being on their toes. The phrase keeps someone on their toes has a sense of being prepared in case something unexpected happens. For example, at the moment my working week looks very different from one week to another. So every week I'm doing different things, so that really keeps me on my toes.

Georgie
I bet it does. OK, let's hear some more examples.

Examples
I never really liked science class because the teacher would always ask us a question, and we had to answer quickly in front of the whole class. It really kept us on our toes.

The chef at the restaurant changes the menu every week. That really keeps the staff on their toes.

There's always new roadworks in different places in my town at the moment, but at least it keeps me on my toes. I need to pay attention when I'm driving.

Feifei
So, 'keep someone on their toes' is about one person making another person feel ready for something unexpected.

Georgie
That's right. But if you want a phrase to describe yourself or another person, you can use 'be on the ball'. If you are on the ball, it means you're quick to understand or react. I've had a couple of coffees this morning, so I'm feeling very on the ball.

Feifei
Yes, it seems like it. Let's recap. We learnt 'keep someone on their toes', which means you do something to make someone else stay alert and ready for anything to happen.

Georgie
Thanks for joining us. Bye!

Feifei
Goodbye!

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