June 24, 2023
“The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat.” Sports have a way of encapsulating the high and low moments of life within a confined space and time. These intense experiences have influenced the English language significantly, leading to an array of "sports idioms" that we often use in everyday conversations. Here's a list of some such idioms, along with their meanings, examples, and interesting notes.
Meaning: It's up to you to make the next decision or step.
Example: “I’ve done all I can to help her. The ball is in her court now.”
Notes: This idiom is derived from tennis, where players hit the ball back and forth, each waiting for the other to make a play.
Meaning: To quit or give up.
Example: “After several failed attempts to start the business, he decided to throw in the towel.”
Notes: This phrase originates from boxing where a trainer throws in a towel to signal their fighter's surrender.
Meaning: To stay focused on the goal or task at hand.
Example: “Even with all the distractions, she kept her eye on the ball and finished the project on time.”
Notes: It comes from various ball games where players need to keep their eyes on the ball to play effectively.
Meaning: A person, team, or competitor about whom little is known but unexpectedly wins or succeeds.
Example: "No one knew much about the new manager, but he turned out to be a dark horse, leading the company to its most profitable year."
Notes: This idiom has its roots in horse racing, where an unknown horse might surprise spectators by winning the race.
Meaning: A strategy or plan of action designed to achieve a goal.
Example: "Their game plan for the business involves both aggressive marketing and excellent customer service."
Notes: The term "game plan" comes from sports like football or basketball where a strategy is devised to win the game.
Meaning: Out of action due to illness, exhaustion, or other incapacitating circumstances.
Example: "After working 60 hours this week, John is down for the count."
Notes: This phrase also originates from boxing, where a boxer is given a count of 10 seconds to recover from a knockdown. If the boxer is still down after 10 seconds, they lose the fight.
Meaning: A desperate last-ditch attempt to achieve something when other methods have failed.
Example: "Faced with bankruptcy, the company made a Hail Mary by investing in a radical new technology."
Notes: This term comes from American football, referring to a long, desperate pass at the end of the game, with hopes of scoring.
Meaning: To take responsibility for something, especially in a challenging situation.
Example: "When the project leader left suddenly, Susan had to step up to the plate and finish the work."
Notes: This idiom comes from baseball, where a batter steps up to the home plate to take their turn at batting.
Comment: I've always wondered where "dark horse" came from. Never thought it was from horse racing!
Answer: Indeed! Many idioms have fascinating origins tied to various sports or games.
Question: Are these idioms used in both American and British English?
Answer: Yes, most of these idioms are commonly understood in both American and British English, although some, like "a Hail Mary," are more rooted in American culture.
Notable figures often use sports idioms to convey their thoughts more vividly. Here are a couple of examples:
"In life, as in football, you won't go far unless you know where the goalposts are." - Arnold H. Glasow.
"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan, implicitly reminding us to always "keep our eye on the ball."
Sports idioms are a vital part of the English language, adding color and dynamism to our conversations. Their usage not only makes our speech more interesting but also bridges cultures as sports are a universal phenomenon. So next time you hear someone say, "step up to the plate," or "throw in the towel," you'll know exactly what they mean and where it comes from. And who knows? You might even find these idioms influencing your language in a whole new way.