Hello! We are six students of English Studies from University of Seville, and this is a project of New Technologies Applied to English Language.

ON THE BALL

Meaning: When someone's on the ball, they are well-informed and know what's going on in their area of responsibility or interest.

Origin: Some authorities have suggested that 'on the ball' originated in the sporting arena, and alludes to runners being on the balls of their feet, eagerly ready to run a race. This has some similarities with being 'up to scratch', which derives from boxers or runners being ready at the starting line. 

Example: If you were on the ball, this wouldn't have happened.

TIME OUT

Meaning: A brief cessation of play at the request of a sports team or an official for rest, consultation, or making substitutions.

Origin: It can be related to the end of a process. When someone dies, his time is out. so, it is like stopping the time, but only for a short period of time.

Example: Let's take some time out and grab a tea.

UNDER THE TABLE

Meaning: Usually refers to suspicious business dealings. Anything done out of sight.

Origin: 1879, originally from cricket, extended to other sports c.1909, especially ice hockey.  This term was used earlier for a different sort of magic trick:

Place a glass of liquor on the table, put a hat over it, and say, "I will engage to drink every drop of that liquor, and yet I'll not touch the hat." You then get under the table; and after giving three knocks, you make a noise with your mouth, as if you were swallowing the liquor. Then, getting from under the table, say "Now, gentlemen, be pleased to look." Someone, eager to see if you have drunk the liquor, will raise the hat; when you instantly take the glass and swallow the contents, saying, "Gentlemen I have fulfilled my promise: you are all witnesses that I did not touch the hat."

Example: I don't have a work visa, so they have to pay me under the table.