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3. on toes

on toes

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*on one's toes

Fig. alert. (*Typically: be ~; keep ~; keep one ~; stay ~.) You have to be on your toes if you want to be in this business. I have to stay on my toes to keep from getting fired.

See also: on, toe

on your toes

aware and energetic Acting classes and occasional work in clubs keep the actor on her toes. Bob always looked for difficult assignments because he believed that challenging work helped him stay on his toes professionally.

See also: on, toe

on (one's) toes

Ready to act; alert.

See also: on, toe