PhrasesHub

kept their eye on the ball

    Definitions

      • to stay focused
        Remain attentive and focused on a particular task or goal, not allowing oneself to become distracted

      • to pay attention
        Pay close attention to details and important aspects of a situation or problem

    Examples of kept their eye on the ball

    • The coach instructed the players to keep their eye on the ball at all times during the game. They couldn't afford to take their focus off the ball for even a second, as it was crucial for them to anticipate the opponent's moves and intercept passes.

      The phrase "keep your eye on the ball" means to stay focused on a task or goal, especially when it requires attention to detail or quick reflexes. In the context of sports, it refers to the player's ability to keep an eye on the ball as it moves around the field or court, in order to anticipate the other team's moves and react decisively.

    • The coach encouraged his team to keep their eye on the ball during the high-pressure match. They knew that any mistake could cost them the game, so they stayed focused and alert, watching the ball closely.

      This is a classic example of the "kept their eye on the ball" idiom, which means that the team remained focused and alert, paying close attention to the game and not letting any distractions or mistakes catch them off guard. It's a metaphorical expression that's commonly used in sports contexts, but can also be applied to other situations where staying focused and attentive is important, such as exams, presentations, or important tasks at work.

    • The detective didn't let any false leads distract him from keeping his eye on the ball in the high-profile case. He knew that even a small mistake could derail his investigation or allow the real culprit to slip through his grasp, so he stayed focused and alert, watching closely for any clues or connections that might reveal the truth.

      This example shows how the "kept their eye on the ball" idiom can be applied to other contexts beyond sports. In this case, it's being used in a detective story, where the detective is staying focused and alert, paying close attention to the case and avoiding distractions or false leads that might lead him off track. This metaphorical expression is a powerful way to convey the importance of staying focused and attentive, no matter what the situation might be.

    • The CEO made it clear that she expected her team to keep their eye on the ball in the upcoming merger. She knew that this was a critical moment for the company, and that any mistakes or missteps could have serious consequences. So she encouraged her team to stay focused and alert, watching closely for any potential issues or opportunities that might arise.

      This example shows how the "kept their eye on the ball" idiom can be used in a business context. In this case, the CEO is reminding her team of the importance of staying focused and attentive during a critical moment for the company. This metaphorical expression is a powerful way to convey the importance of staying alert and attentive, no matter what the situation might be, whether it's a high-pressure sports match, an important business merger, or an exam at school. It's a reminder that success often comes down to staying focused and alert, no matter what challenges we might face.

    • The top executive kept her eye on the ball during the merger negotiations, ensuring that all potential risks and opportunities were identified and addressed.

      This idiom is used to mean that the executive remained focused and attentive to the main issue at hand, which was the successful merger of two companies. By keeping her eye on the ball, she was able to avoid distractions and make informed decisions that benefited the company.

    • The coach kept his eye on the ball as he watched his team play, providing strategic feedback to his players and making quick adjustments to their game plan.

      This idiom is commonly used in sports to describe a coach's ability to stay focused and alert during a game. By keeping his eye on the ball, the coach was able to anticipate his team's opponents' moves and make smart tactical decisions that gave his team an advantage.

    • The business analyst kept her eye on the ball as she led her team through a complex project, identifying potential issues and devising solutions that minimized risks and maximized benefits.

      This idiom can also be applied to non-sporting contexts, where it means staying focused and attentive to the main objective or goal. By keeping her eye on the ball, the analyst was able to maintain clarity and direction throughout the project, ensuring its success.

    • The politician kept his eye on the ball during his campaign, responding promptly to issues and controversies, and staying true to his platform.

      This example shows how the idiom can also be used in political contexts, where it means staying focused and attentive to the main priorities and values of a campaign or political office. By keeping his eye on the ball, the politician was able to win over voters and maintain their support.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "kept their eye on the ball" is often used to describe someone who is able to remain focused and attentive, not allowing themselves to become distracted. It can also refer to the act of paying close attention to details and important aspects of a situation or problem. Overall, the idiom emphasizes the importance of staying focused and attentive in order to achieve success or handle a situation effectively.

    Origin of "kept their eye on the ball"

    The origin of the idiom "kept their eye on the ball" can be traced back to sports, particularly ball games such as baseball, cricket, and tennis. In these sports, players are required to keep their eyes on the ball in order to successfully hit or catch it. Over time, the phrase has been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of staying focused and attentive. The idiom has become a metaphor for remaining concentrated on a specific task or goal, just as a player must keep their eye on the ball in a game. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and not allowing oneself to become distracted in order to achieve success. Overall, the origin of the idiom reflects its practical application in both sports and everyday life.