think on one's feet

present singular third person thinks on one's feet · participle present thinking on one's feet · participle past thought on one's feet · past thought on one's feet

1. idiomaticWhen one is in the middle of a process, activity, or conversation, to adjust rapidly, effectively, and intelligently to new developments or changing circumstances.

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

   c. 1919, Elbert Hubbard, “Richard Cobden”, in Little Journeys, Volume 9: Great Reformers

   2 more examples

   "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.

   1901, Henry B. Fuller, chapter 24, in Under the Skylights

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

   2007 September 16, Karen Crouse, “Covering New Ground, Jets’ Clemens Relies on Deep Roots”, in New York Times, retrieved 07 Nov 2011

   Synonyms: extemporize, improvise