on (one's) toes
(redirected from on my toes)on (one's) toes
Active, alert, and focused. Having two kids under age five sure keeps me on my toes! This attorney is known for using really deceptive and underhanded tactics, so be on your toes.
*on one's toes
Fig. alert. (*Typically: be ~; keep ~; keep one ~; stay ~.) You have to be on your toes if you want to be in this business. I have to stay on my toes to keep from getting fired.
on one's toes
Alert, ready to act, as in Orchestra players must be on their toes all the time, so as not to miss an entrance. This metaphoric expression probably alludes to boxers or runners who must be on their toes in order to move or start quickly. It gained currency with Richard Rodgers' and Lorenz Hart's extremely popular musical, On Your Toes (1936). [Early 1900s]
on your toes
ready for any eventuality. 1921 John Dos Passos Three Soldiers If he just watched out and kept on his toes, he'd be sure to get it.
on your ˈtoes
ready to deal with anything that might happen: We were all on our toes, waiting for the game to begin.on (one's) toes
Ready to act; alert.