Welcome to Idiom 100, where we learn 100 commonly used idioms by native English speakers.

All of the explanations are in English, so it might be challenging for you,

but just try to imagine the meanings in your head and study hard and soon you'll be able to use these idioms in your conversations.

Is everyone ready? Let's begin.

Hello everyone!

Today's idiom is: on my toes.

On my toes.

Alright, let's try to imagine the meaning of this idiom.

If you're on your toes, maybe you're standing up like a ballerina

or, for example, let's think of you're about to run a race and you're down on the track and your feet are up.

Yeah, you're on your toes, means you're ready to run.

You're ready for any movement.

You can go this way, you can go this way, you can go very fast.

Okay, you're on your toes.

So, let's listen to some examples using this idiom.

Did you have fun at the party?

Yeah, but I needed to remember so many faces and names. I had to be on my toes.

Okay, so he was at a party, not running, but he was on his toes.

He had to be thinking a lot, remembering names and faces.

He was on his toes.

Alright, let's listen to the second example.

Did you have a good time in class?

Well it was nice, but my teacher kept me on my toes by asking so many questions, so I really had to stay focused.

Alright, so 'on my toes' or 'on your toes' means to stay alert, stay focused, ready for any situation.

Okay, you can change direction, you can remember things, alright?

So, stay on your toes', you can use when you want to remember or think of something very clearly.

So, for example, let's see...

I keep my students on their toes by giving a pop quiz or surprise quiz every week.

Yeah, they have to be ready. They have to know the answers and be very alert.

Alright, so let's try using 'on my toes' or 'on your toes' or 'I was on my toes'.

Alright, and I'll see you again next time.