has one's wits about one
Thinking on feet
To have one's wits about one is to remain alert and capable of quick thinking, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Someone with their wits about them doesn't panic or freeze but stays mentally sharp: She kept her wits about her when the car started skidding.
The negative—to lose one's wits—means to become confused or panicked.
- presence of mindMental readiness in crisis
- quick-thinkingMentally rapid, resourceful
- thinking on one's feetResponding quickly without preparation
- quick on the uptakeFast to understand
- vigilanceState of keen awareness
staying alert · intelligence · sharp as a tack · composure · keeping cool · level headed · resourcefulness · equanimity · alertness · calmness · sharpness · mental acuity · clarity · attentiveness · eyes wide open · cool-headed · observation · discernment
has one's wits about oneloses one's head
Becomes emotionally overwhelmed
confused · flustered · befuddled · addled · scatterbrained
has one's wits about onecaught off guard
Surprised when unprepared
unprepared · blindsided · oblivious · clueless · unaware
wittily, witted, witless, outwit, outwits, outwitted, outwitting