have on the ball



have something on the ball

to have a particular amount of smartness or cleverness. Both John and Mary have a lot on the ball. They should go far. I think I'd do better in school if I had more on the ball. I learn slowly.
See also: ball, have, on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
EsbjÖRn-Swedish
Husein-Bosnian
Eugene[ju:'ʒein]
TjeerdTYAY:RT (Dutch)Frisian, Dutch
Dagfinn-Norwegian, Danish
HrÓLfr-Ancient Scandinavian