think on one's feet

Idioms  

1. React quickly, be mentally agile, as in Reporters bombarded him with difficult questions, but Bill was very good at thinking on his feet. This expression uses on one's feet in the sense of “wide awake, alertly.” [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Part of the skill involved is being able to think on one’s feet and make those objections in a timely and accurate way to preserve them for appeal.

From Slate • May 31, 2024

It is best to jot down bullet points and remain flexible enough to think on one's feet, says Fox.

From Nature • Feb. 6, 2013