Think on your feet

Posted by Henry on January 14, 2005

In Reply to: Think on your feet posted by Noga on January 14, 2005

: Can anyone explain the meaning of this phrase to me?
: ("you have to think on your feet"). I can't seem to find a simple explanation (neither in Oxford nor in Webster)
: thanx

In means to deal with a problem when it arises. The problem may be unexpected and the solution unorthodox. It might be an emergency of some kind.

You don't have an opportunity to sit down and think about the problems. I don't know if it arises from a particular situation or sport. A boxer would be one person obliged to think on his feet.