take one's eye off the ball

== English == === Alternative forms === take one's eyes off the ball === Etymology === From general sporting advice to look continuously at the ball as it moves. === Pronunciation === === Verb === take one's eye off the ball (third-person singular simple present takes one's eye off the ball, present participle taking one's eye off the ball, simple past took one's eye off the ball, past participle taken one's eye off the ball) (idiomatic) To lose one's concentration on what is most important. ==== Antonyms ==== keep one's eye on the ball === See also === drop the ball