Phrase guide

keep someone on their toes

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To keep someone attentive, active, busy or alert.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Four-year-old twins will certainly keep you on your toes!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pitää varpaillaan — to keep one attentive, active, busy or alert
  • German: auf Trab halten — to keep one attentive, active, busy or alert
  • Polish: trzymać w gotowości — to keep one attentive, active, busy or alert
  • Spanish: mantenerlo de puntillas — to keep one attentive, active, busy or alert