He takes his eye off the ball when he gets distracted.

He has taken his eye off the ball.

He lost the game because he was taking his eye off the ball.

He took his eye off the ball and missed the catch.

Getting a small raise is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

Better than a poke in the eye with a rusty nail.

better than a poke in the eye with a burnt stick

Better than a poke in the eye with a shitty stick.

It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye.