keep one's eye on the ball

keep (one's) eye on the ball

To keep oneself very focused on something. Despite its wording, the phrase does not have to refer to baseball or another ball game. I graduated in just three years because I was able to keep my eye on the ball and prioritize my studies above all else.See also: ball, eye, keep, on

keep one's eye on the ball

Remain alert and attentive, as in The research director told her students to keep their eye on the ball when it came to accurate footnotes . This expression alludes to numerous sports in which players must watch a ball's path. [c. 1900] See also: ball, eye, keep, on