keep her eye on the ball

Definitions

• maintain focus
  To remind someone to stay attentive and focused on a particular goal or task, especially in a situation where distractions may arise

Examples of keep her eye on the ball

• The project's success heavily depends on our team's ability to "keep her eye on the ball." We need to make sure all our efforts and resources are focused on achieving our goals and not get distracted by unforeseen obstacles.

  The phrase "keep her eye on the ball" is an idiom that refers to staying focused and attentive to a specific task or goal. In this example, it's used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing and not being sidetracked by external factors. It's particularly relevant in the context of a project where multiple tasks and decisions need to be made, and every team member's contribution counts.

• I'm coaching my daughter's soccer team, and I always remind them to "keep their eyes on the ball" during training and matches. It's crucial for them to remain alert and aware of where the ball is at all times, as it helps them make quick decisions and react faster to oppose players' movements.

  In this example, "keep her eye on the ball" is directly applied to a sporting context. It serves as a reminder for the players to maintain their focus and concentration during a game or practice session. By doing so, they can make better decisions based on the ball's position, which ultimately improves their gameplay.

• Our sales team missed their quarterly targets due to a lack of focus and strategic thinking. The CEO insisted that they "keep their eyes on the ball" going forward, and they were instructed to define specific goals and objectives for the next quarter.

  In this example, "keep her eye on the ball" is used to emphasize the importance of having clear objectives and focus. By setting specific goals, the sales team could direct their efforts and resources towards achieving those targets, rather than spreading themselves thin across multiple objectives. This approach increased their chances of success and reduced the likelihood of missing their targets.

• Our main competitor launched a new product, which threatened our market share. We had to "keep our eyes on the ball" and respond swiftly by analyzing their product's features and identifying any gaps or weaknesses. Based on our findings, we could then develop a competitive product that addressed those shortcomings.

  In this example, "keep her eye on the ball" is used to convey the need to stay focused and aware of external factors that could impact one's own objectives. By remaining vigilant and monitoring our competitors' moves, we could respond effectively and maintain our position in the market. It also highlights the importance of being proactive and addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

• The basketball coach told his team to keep their eyes on the ball during the game. This meant that they should focus on the ball and not let their attention be distracted by the other players or the crowd. They needed to follow the ball's movement and anticipate where it would be next, in order to intercept it or make a shot.

  To "keep her eye on the ball" is a metaphor for staying focused and not getting distracted by other things. It's a sports phrase originating from the game of baseball, where the pitcher throws the ball towards the batter, who must hit it. However, it's now commonly used in other sports as well and in general contexts to mean staying focused and attentive to a task or goal.

Conclusion

The idiom "keep her eye on the ball" is used to encourage someone to remain focused and attentive to a specific task or goal. It can be used in various contexts, such as in sports, work, or personal matters, to remind someone to not lose sight of their objective and to stay alert to potential distractions.

Origin of "keep her eye on the ball"

The origin of the idiom "keep her eye on the ball" can be traced back to sports, particularly ball games like baseball, basketball, and tennis. In these sports, keeping one's eye on the ball is crucial for success, as it allows the player to accurately track the ball's movement and react accordingly. The idiom's use has since expanded to reference maintaining focus and attentiveness in various aspects of life, beyond just sports. It emphasizes the importance of staying alert and not getting sidetracked from one's goals. Overall, the idiom's origin lies in the fundamental principle of staying focused on a specific objective to achieve success.