think on feet

think on (one's) feet

To be able to think clearly in times of stress, especially when forming a solution to a pressing problem. Thank goodness you were able to think on your feet and find another way to stop the pipe from leaking. The whole basement would have flooded otherwise.

See also: feet, on, think

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

think on one's feet

Fig. to be able to speak and reason well while (standing and talking) in front of an audience, especially extemporaneously. She really thinks on her feet well. I am not able to think on my feet too well before a bunch of people.

See also: feet, on, think

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.