当とう意い即そく妙みょう

noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

ready wit; quick repartee; thinking on one's feet

Describes the ability to respond immediately and appropriately, often with a clever or witty remark. Used as a noun or adjectivally (な/の).

• 彼かれの当とう意い即そく妙みょうな返へん答とうに、会かい場じょうが笑わらいに包つつまれた。

  His quick-witted reply filled the room with laughter.

• 記き者しゃ会かい見けんでは、当とう意い即そく妙みょうの受うけ答こたえが求もとめられる。

  At press conferences, thinking on your feet is required.