Take your eye off the ball
phrase
To stop paying attention to something important.
If you take your eye off the ball for a brief moment, you might miss an important detail.
Often appears as...
- never take your eye off the ball
- don't take your eye off the ball
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To stop paying attention to something important.
If you take your eye off the ball for a brief moment, you might miss an important detail.
Often appears as...
- never take your eye off the ball
- don't take your eye off the ball
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Sports Origin
The phrase originates from sports and keeping focused on the ball.
An outfielder can't afford to take their eye off the ball.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
It's often used metaphorically to discuss focus in non-sport situations.
You took your eye off the ball when you ignored the client's concerns.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Outcome
Losing focus can lead to mistakes or negative consequences.
The project failed because the team took their eye off the ball.
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