think on one's feetとは 意味・読み方・使い方

動詞

think on one's feet (三人称単数 現在形 thinks on one's feet, 現在分詞 thinking on one's feet, 過去形および過去分詞形 thought on one's feet)

1. (idiomatic) When one is in the middle of a process, activity, or conversation, to adjust rapidly, effectively, and intelligently to new developments or changing circumstances.
   • 1901, Henry B. Fuller, chapter 24, in Under the Skylights:

     "There will be wine," said Medora. "Drink it. There may be toasts. Be ready to respond."

     Abner could think on his feet—speech would not fail.

   • c. 1919, Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys, Volume 9: Great Reformers, "Richard Cobden":

     The political canvass had given freedom to his wings; he had learned to think on his feet, to meet interruption, to parry in debate.

   • 2007 Sept. 16, Karen Crouse, "Covering New Ground, Jets’ Clemens Relies on Deep Roots ," New York Times (retrieved 7 Nov 2011):

     Clemens had to think on his feet, adjust on the run, make split-second decisions and, if he messed up, contend with the consequences.

同意語

• extemporize, improvise