be poised

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to be ready to do something very soon, or to be in a position where something is about to happen

   Grammar: Usually followed by 'to' + verb: be poised to leave, or by 'for' + noun: be poised for change.

   Patterns

   • be poised to do something
   • be poised for something
   • be poised on the brink of something

   The company is poised to announce a new product next week.

   After months of training, she is poised to break the world record.

   The region is poised for rapid economic growth.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   to be calm, confident, and in control of your movements or feelings

   Grammar: Describes a person's manner or state; often used with 'and' + adjective, e.g. poised and confident.

   Patterns

   • be poised and confident
   • be poised under pressure

   Even during the interview, he was poised and answered every question calmly.

   The dancer was poised, never losing her balance.

Common combinations

poised to become

She is poised to become the next CEO.

poised for success

The team is poised for success this season.

poised on the edge of

The industry is poised on the edge of a major change.

perfectly poised

The gymnast was perfectly poised before her routine.

Synonyms and how they differ

ready

More general and less formal; 'ready to leave' is neutral, while 'poised to leave' suggests the moment is very close.

about to

Used in everyday speech for the near future; 'poised to' is more formal and often used in news writing.

set

Informal and often followed by 'to': 'all set to go'. It does not carry the same sense of calm confidence.

Opposites

Word family

poise noun

Calm and confident manner.

poised adjective

Calm and confident, or ready to act.

Commonly confused: be poised or posed?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be poised”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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