quick on one's feet
Thinks while moving
Quick on one's feet describes someone who thinks and reacts rapidly, especially under pressure.
The phrase evokes physical agility—a boxer dancing away from punches—but usually applies to mental nimbleness: She's quick on her feet in negotiations, He was quick on his feet when the reporter asked about the scandal.
The opposite is flat-footed.
- sharp-wittedIntellectually quick and perceptive
- sharp as a tackExtremely intelligent and alert
- spryLively despite years
- fleet-footedMoving with quick lightness
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
agile · adaptable · tactful · intuitive · inventive · lithe · perceptive · clever · nimble · coordinated · swift · diplomatic · smooth talker · witty · insightful · athletic · fast-moving · analytical
quick on one's feetslow on the uptake
Comprehending things belatedly
slow-witted · flat-footed · dull-witted · dense · obtuse
quick on one's feetslow-footed
Moving at leisurely pace
sluggish · plodding · lumbering · clumsy · heavy-footed
quick, quicker, quickest, quickly, quicken, quickens, quickened, quickening, quickness