Meaning: This idiom means to stay focused and attentive to what is important, especially in order to achieve success or avoid mistakes. It implies maintaining concentration and not getting distracted from the main goal or task at hand.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “If you want to finish this project on time, you need to keep your eye on the ball and avoid distractions.”
- “During the negotiations, she kept her eye on the ball and made sure the deal met all their requirements.”
- “The team needs to keep their eye on the ball if they want to win the championship.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “keep one’s eye on the ball” comes from sports, particularly baseball, tennis, and golf. In these sports, it is crucial for players to watch the ball closely to hit it accurately or catch it effectively. By keeping their eye on the ball, players increase their chances of making successful plays. Over time, this phrase has been adopted into general language as a metaphor for staying focused and attentive in any situation where concentration is key to success.
