phrase. If someone is on the ball, they are very alert and aware of what is happening. She really is on the ball; she's bought houses at auctions so she knows what she's doing.

What is the origin and meaning of the idiom on the ball?

According to Paul Dickson's "New Dickson's Baseball Dictionary", the phrase originated in the early 20th century U.S. in the sport of baseball, where a pitcher who dominated and successfully manipulated the opposing batters was said to "have" or "be putting" a lot "on the ball," possibly referring to spin or other ...

What is the idiom of a ball in a sentence?

: to have fun : to spend time in a very enjoyable way Everyone had a ball at the party.