on the ball
phrase
1
: competent, knowledgeable, alert
… the other introductory essay … is much more on the ball.—
The Times Literary Supplement (London)
The Times Literary Supplement (London)keep on the ball
2
: of ability or competence
… if the teacher has something on the ball, the pupils won't squirm much …—New Yorker
New YorkerExamples of on the ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Netherlands' Micky van de Ven got his boot on the ball cleanly in the 43rd minute and tried to shoot it high over the head of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, but Bounou got a glove on it, sending it skyward.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
After Antonio Nusa scored the game’s first goal, Haaland had a chance to put Norway up 2-0 but couldn’t get enough power on the ball after it was deflected to find the back of the net.
—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 June 2026
Control boots are built for touch on the ball and clean finishing.
—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Since making the final four in Qatar, Morocco have evolved their style of play, integrating the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Brahim Díaz who have given them better ability on the ball.
—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
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Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
After Antonio Nusa scored the game’s first goal, Haaland had a chance to put Norway up 2-0 but couldn’t get enough power on the ball after it was deflected to find the back of the net.
—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 June 2026
Control boots are built for touch on the ball and clean finishing.
—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Since making the final four in Qatar, Morocco have evolved their style of play, integrating the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Brahim Díaz who have given them better ability on the ball.
—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“On the ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20ball. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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